Greek yarrow
achillea ligustica
Also known as: ["Greek yarrow","feverfew","noble yarrow"]
Overview
Achillea ligustica is a perennial herbaceous plant known for its feathery foliage and clusters of small, daisy-like flowers. It is valued for its aromatic qualities and traditional medicinal uses.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","fragrant flowers","medicinal use","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Achillea |
| Botanical Name: | Achillea ligustica |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in full sun
- Suitable For:
- 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, loamy soil with added organic matter. A cactus or succulent mix amended with compost works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead spent flowers throughout the growing season; perform a heavier prune in early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate. Deadheading is light; spring pruning can be more intensive to reshape the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Achillea ligustica thrives in bright light and may become leggy in shade.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually if moving from shade to sun. Protect from intense midday sun in hot climates to prevent scorching. Ensure good air circulation if grown indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Full sun is essential; rotate pots for even growth; avoid deep shade.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for fertility.
Temperature
Prefers moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Tolerates heat but may struggle in prolonged extreme cold.
Protect from frost; water deeply in heat; ensure good air flow.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly to avoid excessive foliage growth; stop fertilizing in late summer to encourage hardiness; water before applying fertilizer.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings are the most common method for Achillea ligustica.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), humid environment with bright, indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat, perlite, and sand.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically develop in 2–4 weeks; plants may be ready to transplant in 8–12 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; avoid overwatering.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean, sharp tools to make cuts just above a leaf node or bud. Remove dead or damaged stems as needed.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers to prolong blooming.
Tools
Pruning shears, clean knife, gloves.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune dead or damaged stems; deadhead regularly; shape as needed.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Move to a pot one size larger (e.g., +2–3 inches in diameter).
Method
Gently remove the plant, trim any dead roots, place in a new pot with fresh, well-draining soil, and water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Achillea ligustica benefits from fresh soil and root space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use 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 issues. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil dryness.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is not compacted.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth and cause leaf damage or dieback, especially in wet conditions.
Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch. Move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location during freezes. Ensure good drainage to prevent cold soil damage.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering if water and light conditions are not managed.
Solution: Water deeply during heatwaves, provide afternoon shade if necessary, and ensure good air circulation to reduce stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early fall). Avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicAchillea ligustica is not known to be toxic to cats. The plant has not been associated with any significant adverse effects in felines when ingested in small quantities.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicAchillea ligustica is not known to be toxic to dogs. The plant has not been associated with any significant adverse effects in canines when ingested in small quantities.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicAchillea ligustica is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It has been used traditionally for its medicinal properties, particularly for its anti-inflammatory and astringent effects. There are no significant toxic effects reported under normal use.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Achillea ligustica toxic to pets?
A: No, Achillea ligustica is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How often should I water Achillea ligustica?
A: Water sparingly, as it is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil.
Q: Does Achillea ligustica 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 |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
