Yarrow
achillea crithmifolia
Also known as: ["Scented Yarrow","Crithmifolia Yarrow"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant with fragrant, feathery leaves and flat clusters of small, daisy-like flowers, typically white or pale yellow.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Achillea |
| Botanical Name: | Achillea crithmifolia |
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":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead flowers throughout the growing season; cut back foliage annually in late fall or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate. Deadheading is light; fall pruning can be moderate to remove old growth.
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 to intense sunlight if moved from shade. Protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates to prevent scorching. Indoors, place near a south-facing window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense midday sun; supplement with grow lights if indoors.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure good aeration; use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Tolerates cold down to -20°F (-29°C) but thrives in cooler conditions.
Protect from frost in late spring/early fall; ensure good air circulation in hot weather; avoid placing near heat sources indoors.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Avoid over-fertilizing, which can reduce flowering; use a low-nitrogen formula; stop fertilizing in late summer to prepare for dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings are best for larger quantities, while division is ideal for maintaining plant vigor.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing but not in peak flowering.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), high humidity (70–80%), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Recommended to promote root development.
Timeline
Roots develop in 3–6 weeks; plants can be transplanted after 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle, plastic bags (for humidity).
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean, sharp tools to cut spent flower stems just above a leaf node. For fall pruning, cut back to 2–3 inches above the ground.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming and maintain a tidy appearance. Cut back foliage in late fall to prevent disease overwintering.
Tools
Hand pruners, bypass shears, gloves.
Checklist
Use clean tools; deadhead regularly; cut back in fall or spring; remove any dead or diseased stems.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; place in a new pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. This encourages fresh soil and prevents overcrowding.
Checklist
Choose a new pot; prepare fresh soil; trim roots if needed; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Apply until water drains from the bottom, then stop to prevent waterlogging. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
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 moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is not compacted.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or wilting in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf drop in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may cause leaf discoloration, but the plant is generally hardy and can withstand freezing temperatures.
Solution: Provide winter mulch to insulate roots; avoid overwatering in cold weather to prevent root rot.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt or scorch, and flowering may decline in intense heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Fertilize in spring; use balanced formula; dilute liquid fertilizer; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season, avoiding winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicAchillea crithmifolia 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
Dogs
Non-toxicAchillea crithmifolia 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
Humans
Non-toxicAchillea crithmifolia is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It has been used traditionally in herbal medicine for its potential anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Achillea crithmifolia toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How often should I water Achillea crithmifolia?
A: Water sparingly, as it is drought tolerant and prefers well-drained soil.
Q: Does Achillea crithmifolia 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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