Sneezeweed, Yarrow

achillea ptarmica

Also known as: ["Sneezewort","Common Yarrow"]

Family: Asteraceae Genus: Achillea Category: Flowers

Overview

A hardy perennial herbaceous plant with flat-topped clusters of small, white flowers and finely divided, aromatic leaves.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Achillea
Botanical Name: Achillea ptarmica

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a sunny spot with good air circulation
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining loam with added organic matter; tolerates poor soil.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: Deadhead regularly; cut back hard in late fall or early spring.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if overgrown.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but blooms less.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves with root rot; stunted growth in waterlogged soil; wilting despite moist soil.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains in intense sun; avoid deep shade.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Water at the base to avoid foliage wetting; ensure soil dries between waterings; adjust for weather conditions.

Soil

well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic content

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).

Avoid heavy clay; use raised beds if drainage is poor; mulch to retain moisture.

Temperature

Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights but avoid frost.

Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from drafts; maintain moderate humidity.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer

Fertilize after pruning; stop in late summer to encourage hardiness; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings root easily in summer.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist.

Best Time: Late spring to early summer for cuttings; early spring for division.

Environment

Warm (70–75°F), high humidity (70–80%), indirect light.

Medium

Perlite or sand mixed with peat moss for good drainage.

Hormone

Rooting hormone recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in new pot in 1–2 months.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips for bushier growth; shear for uniform shape.

Pruning Plan

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.

Tools

Clean pruners, gloves, sterilizing solution.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged stems; shape as desired; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot; ensure drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; improves vigor and blooming.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare new soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture reaches the root zone; avoid overhead watering to minimize disease risk.

Pro Tip: Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal growth.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure pH balance.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Stems may become brittle; growth halts; risk of frost damage below 32°F (0°C).

Solution: Move to a sheltered location; cover with frost cloth; avoid watering before cold snaps.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; flowers fade quickly in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Achillea ptarmica may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's photosynthetic efficiency and overall health.

Wilting in Achillea ptarmica can be caused by water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Achillea ptarmica are often caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in discolored lesions that can impair photosynthesis and lead to leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Achillea ptarmica due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay of plant tissues and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Achillea ptarmica is not considered toxic to cats. It does not pose a significant risk of poisoning when ingested or handled by cats.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

No specific precautions are needed for cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Achillea ptarmica is not considered toxic to dogs. It is not known to cause adverse effects when ingested or handled by dogs.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

No specific precautions are needed for dogs.
Humans
Non-toxic

Achillea ptarmica is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It has been used historically in herbal medicine for its potential medicinal properties.

⚡ Toxic If:

Generally non-toxic

While generally safe, individuals with plant allergies should exercise caution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Achillea ptarmica toxic to pets?

A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Q: How often should I water Achillea ptarmica?

A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Q: Does Achillea ptarmica attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.

Quick Reference
Family: Asteraceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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