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achillea erba-rotta
Also known as: ["Milfoil","Nosebleed Plant","Staunchweed"]
Overview
A hardy perennial herb with feathery leaves and flat clusters of small, daisy-like flowers, known for its medicinal properties and drought tolerance.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","disease resistant","deer resistant","cold hardy","air purifying","low maintenance","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Achillea |
| Botanical Name: | Achillea erba-rotta |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: border plantings, rock gardens, or raised beds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining. Achillea dislikes wet, heavy soils.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead throughout the growing season; cut back annually in fall or spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate. Deadheading is light; fall/spring cutback is moderate.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually if moving from shade to sun. Protect from intense midday sun in hot climates. Ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew in humid conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Full sun is best; avoid deep shade; rotate pots for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, sandy loam with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with sand or grit if needed.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Hardy in USDA zones 3–9.
Protect from frost in early spring; avoid placing in drafty areas; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly; apply in spring only; avoid high-nitrogen formulas.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division. Division is the most reliable method for mature plants.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Division: Dig up clump, divide into sections with roots, replant. Cuttings: Take 4–6 inch stems, remove lower leaves, plant in medium, keep moist.
Best Time: Early spring or fall for division; late spring for stem cuttings.
Environment
Warm (65–70°F or 18–21°C), high humidity, and partial shade for cuttings. Division requires no special environment.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix (e.g., perlite and peat moss blend).
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can improve success rates for stem cuttings.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; stem cuttings: roots in 3–4 weeks, transplantable in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, pruners, rooting hormone (optional), pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; take cuttings from non-flowering stems.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip spent flower stems just above a leaf node. Cut back foliage to 2–3 inches above the ground in fall or spring.
Pruning Plan
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming. Cut back foliage in late fall or early spring to maintain shape and vigor.
Tools
Hand pruners, gloves, clean cutting tools.
Checklist
Use clean tools; deadhead regularly; cut back in fall/spring; remove dead or diseased stems.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up from current pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter).
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, replant in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Division at repotting is recommended.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil; trim roots if needed; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth. Allow excess water to drain away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 1–2 weeks during active growth, reducing frequency to once a month in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage. Incorporate compost for organic matter.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold. Bud drop or flower discoloration in stress.
Cold Stress
Plants may become dormant in winter but are generally cold-hardy. Prolonged freezing temperatures without snow cover can damage roots.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in fall to insulate roots. Avoid watering before a hard freeze to prevent ice damage.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt or scorch in intense heat, especially if soil is too dry. Flower production may decrease.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in extreme heat. Water deeply and mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; water after fertilizing; avoid contact with foliage.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid over-fertilizing, as Achillea thrives in poor to moderately fertile soil.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicAchillea erba-rotta is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known toxic effects when ingested by felines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicAchillea erba-rotta is not considered toxic to dogs. It is not known to cause adverse effects when ingested by canines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicAchillea erba-rotta is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It has been used traditionally in herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Achillea erba-rotta toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How often should I water Achillea erba-rotta?
A: Water sparingly, as it is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil.
Q: Does Achillea erba-rotta 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 |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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