| June 2007 — Achillea millefolium / Yarrow |
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| Friday, 01 June 2007 03:00 | ||
 A member of the Asteraceae family, Achillea millefolium is most commonly referred to as yarrow, although other common names include milfoil, sneezewort and soldier's friend. Achillea was named by Linnaeus, the modern father of horticulture, in honour of the Greek hero Achilles. There are dozens of species of Achillea millefolium, but most have a fragrant and lacey foliage and small daisy-like flowers borne in rounded corymbs.Although the wild yarrow is known as a troublesome and sometimes invasive weed, horticulturists have bred many outstanding selections in a range of colors that make a great addition to many garden settings. In general, yarrows are strong and vigorous growers that are adaptable to a variety of growing conditions. They do well in poor soils and their longevity and flowering can actually be disturbed by the use of fertilizers. Many cultivars are drought resistant once established. Yarrows are best suited to wildflower gardens or other locations such as roadside plantings where they can be allowed to spread a little. They should be divided about every three years to maintain plant vigor. Plants grown from seed are likely to produce plants with unpredictable variability in flower color and other growth characteristics. Common yarrow has a long history as a medicinal plant and, in this context has been used as an astringent, an anti-depressant, a fever reducer and for baldness prevention. Despite its long and documented history, there has been very little research into the efficacy and safety of medicinal uses of Achillea millefolium.
Achillea 'Moonshine' This cultivar boasts a canary-yellow flower that blooms from June through September. Achillea 'Moonshine' is unlike the common Yarrow in that it is shorter in height and less invasive. The flower heads are four inches wide, with a maximum height of 24 inches. 'Moonshine' Yarrow is a great addition to a sunny perennial border, planted in pots or combined with ornamental grasses. It tolerates poor soil conditions, but does best in lean, dry to medium wet, well-drained soil. Attractive to butterflies but resistant to deer and rabbits. Achillea 'Terra Cotta' The flower color of 'Terra Cotta' is continually changing, as it fades from a bright salmon-pink color early in the season to a russet or terra cotta color. The foliage is silvery grey-green in color. With deadheading, the flowers will last throughout the season. Is also long-lasting as a cut flower. Performs well in most soils types, but good drainage is important. Achillea millefolium 'Coronation Gold' This is an upright growing hybrid with fern-like, aromatic grey green foliage. Lasting for most of the summer, flowers are bright yellow, appearing in dense compound corymbs measuring up to four inches across. Popular as a cut flower due to its stiff, upright stem and large flower heads. Grows from two to three feet tall. Achillea millefolium 'Paprika' The initial bright red ruby colored-flowers of this variety fade quickly to an equally attractive dusty red or light pink with yellow centers. The deeply dissected, fern-like medium green foliage is very aromatic. Best grown in dry to medium wet soils in full sun, but will tolerate most soil types as long as there is good drainage. Although the plant tends to sprawl somewhat in some growing conditions, cutting it back after flowering tidies the plant and encourages reblooming. Divide every two to three years. Grows to one and one-half to two feet tall. Achillea millefolium 'Red Velvet' As with other Achillea cultivars, 'Red Velvet' is an easy to grow perennial that tolerates a wide range of soil conditions and is an ideal selection for sandy and otherwise infertile sites. They are drought tolerant and long blooming in sunny locations. As an added bonus, the dark red rosy flowers of 'Red Velvet' do not fade as the plants mature. Grows to 30 inches in height and is hardy in zones 3 to 8. |
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