Yarrows are perennial flowers that not only look beautiful in the garden, but can also be harvested and used as a spice or medicinal herb.
Yarrow is a perennial plant that quickly grows into herbaceous subshrubs and belongs to the daisy family. Growth heights of up to one meter are reached. But not only that, the plant also forms rhizomes, which form runners up to 50 centimeters long. The cup-shaped inflorescences, which appear in early summer, are characteristic. Although the yarrow is primarily discussed as a medicinal plant, it is also one of the most robust garden flowers and, with its pastel-colored flowers, creates an atmospheric picture in borders and cottage gardens.
Origin
The yarrow genus includes around 100 different species. The Latin equivalent "Achillea" can be traced back to the Greek god Achilles. According to the legend, he is said to have used the plant to treat his soldiers' wounds. The German name yarrow suggests that the plant is one of the favorite foods of sheep. In our part of the world, terms such as sheep's tongue, lady's thanks or stomachache are also common.
The original home of the yarrow is in Eurasia. There the plant prefers subtropical to moderate climate zones. Some species can also be found in America and North Africa. Yarrows are native to all of Europe today. The distribution area extends from the Alpine region to the Arctic Circle. The plants are mainly found on roadsides, on meadows and pastures or on mountain slopes.
From medicinal to ornamental plant
Yarrow has been important in naturopathy for centuries. This is indicated not least by the name "stomach weed". The healing properties of yarrow were already appreciated in ancient times by the Asians, the Indians and the Germans. Nowadays, the herb is preferably used in the form of teas for digestive problems. The herb of the plant is also processed into infusions or pressed juice. Externally, you can use poultices soaked with the plant extract to treat wounds and ulcers. You can also choose a bath additiveMake Yarrow Herb. An extract from the aerial parts of the plant is considered antibacterial and antispasmodic. Yarrow can provide relief for the following ailments:
- Indigestion
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Menstrual Cramps
- Biliary disorders
- Wound Treatment
In today's world, the healing properties of yarrow have, perhaps wrongly, been pushed into the background. Yarrow is far more interesting as a garden plant. While the wild form with its white flowers appears rather unattractive, extensive, colorful varieties have been bred in combination with the Caucasian Gold Sheaf.
When do yarrows bloom?
Yarrows are perennial bloomers. As a rule, flowering begins in May and lasts into September. The flowering time not only depends on the variety, but also the location, the altitude or the general weather conditions in the garden year have an influence on the flowering rate of the plants.
Play of colors over the course of the year
The common yarrow with its white flowers mainly occurs in the wild. In the garden, they usually delight us with their blooms all summer long. They offer a wide range of colors in the bed. In addition, bees, bumblebees and butterflies like to visit the plants. The result is an extremely atmospheric picture, especially when the yarrows demonstrate their versatility and change colour.
Yarrows are extremely colorful as garden plants with various shades of yellow, orange or red. If a vigorous pruning takes place after the first flowering, a lush second flowering usually follows. The color strength decreases and previously strong red flowers appear in a delicate rosé tone. Terracotta-colored flowers turn a strong sunny yellow with the second bloom.
What types of plants are there?
With its extensive variety of species, the yarrow catches the eye in the garden bed. Depending on the growth height, the individual varieties are suitable for the rock garden, for flower tubs, plant bowls or borders and cottage gardens. These types are particularly popular:
❍ Dalmatian Silver Sheaf:
This plant species is particularly versatile and can be planted in troughs or rock gardens due to its cushion-like growth. The leaves appear silver-grey and are finely pinnate. The original home of the Dalmatian yarrow is in the Balkan Mountains. The numerous white ones appear between May and JulyFlower Heads.
❍ Nutmeg Sheaf:
The nutmeg sheaf is not only decorative in the bed, it is also used as a seasoning plant because the leaves have a mild nutmeg taste. In the kitchen, however, you should only use the young shoots. Older parts of the plant have a rather bitter taste. If you cut back the plants several times a year, the tender shoots can be used all year round.
The nutmeg sheaf convinces as a flowering plant with its white flowers, which are just as good in a colorful summer bouquet as they are as an eye-catcher in the bed and as a contrast to the colored plant varieties.
❍ Light Yellow Yarrow:
The light yellow yarrow makes a stately appearance in the perennial border and grows about 50 centimeters high. The sulphur-yellow flowers appear particularly numerous if you have chosen a warm and dry location and have loosened the soil before planting. Since the plant grows quite quickly, you should divide it frequently.
How to properly plant yarrow
❍ Location:
Yarrows are an ideal plant for beginners, easy to care for and undemanding. The plant loves a sunny and warm location. It also tolerates drought relatively well. Yarrow, on the other hand, does not get waterlogged. You should always choose the location with regard to the growth height of the plants, because yarrows can grow between ten centimeters and one meter high. In the rock garden, for example, low species feel at home. The medium-high species can find their place in the perennial bed. The tall-growing species are particularly attractive if you don't cut off the inflorescences and use them as a bizarre decoration in the bed in winter.
❍ Bottom:
If you place the plants in loose and well-drained soil and water them regularly, the yarrow in the bed will not cause you any problems. Basically, any garden soil offers the plant the ideal conditions. The soil should only be loose and nutrient-rich. Since the plant does not tolerate waterlogging, you should provide drainage. Low-growing varieties can also be cultivated in tubs or window boxes.
❍ Plants:
Yarrow seeds can be sown outdoors between April and June. You should keep a planting distance of about 25 centimeters. Please note that yarrows germinate in the sun - so do not cover the seeds with soil. If you then water the seeds well, you will be able to see the first little plants after about 14 days.
Hint:
In the bed, the plants come into their own in an ensemble with bluebells, carnations, poppies or other meadow flowers.
Care tips for he althy plants
❍ casting:
Yarrow is very well adapted to less than ideal weather conditions. It tolerates drought to a limited extent. It is quite possible that the plants are still in full bloom even after longer periods of drought. If the location is particularly dry and you neglect watering, the plants will lag behind in growth and will also produce fewer flowers. Regular watering is therefore advisable. However, always make sure that the plant is not too wet and that the moisture does not accumulate.
Young plants should generally be watered more frequently so that they can grow well and develop accordingly. However, never water in full sunlight to avoid sunburning the plants. You should prefer the morning and evening hours for watering.
❍ Fertilize:
The best fertilizer for yarrow is a dose of compost, given in spring and late fall. Compost provides the plant with all the nutrients it needs and saves you having to purchase a commercial fertilizer. If compost is not available, you can use a liquid fertilizer for flowering plants. Then administer this once in spring as a long-term fertilizer or add it to the watering water about every 14 days during the flowering period. Here, too, it is important to dose sparingly, because the plants are very frugal and make few demands in terms of care.
❍ Cut:
It makes sense to cut back after the first flowering. If you remove the faded stems, the plant will usually start flowering again. You should cut back low varieties in autumn when they are ready to hand. You can also only cut back tall perennials in spring because, covered with snow and frost, they are an eye-catcher in the winter garden.
❍ Overwintering:
The plant even tolerates severe frosts and most species even tolerate temperatures down to -30 degrees. The plants can therefore remain in the ground during the winter months. Additional winter protection is not necessary.
When does harvest time start?
If you want to use yarrow as a kitchen plant, you can harvest the first tender leaves in spring and use them to prepare salads. When the plant is in full bloom, the herb and flowers can be used for baths or teas. So that the valuable ingredients are not lost,dry the plant parts as quickly as possible.
How to propagate yarrow?
Yarrow can be propagated by seeds and by division. Self-sowing is also possible. Propagation by cuttings is less successful. So it is better to rely on seeds and the division variant.
❍ Propagation by seeds:
Sowing should take place between April and May directly outdoors. Simply press the seeds down and do not cover them with soil. Keep a distance of 25 centimeters between the individual plants.
You can also grow the seeds in pots on the windowsill from late winter. From mid-May you then have to prick out the plants and place them outdoors. You will then enjoy a yarrow plant for about five years.
❍ Propagation by division:
Every two to four years it is advisable to propagate the yarrow plants by division. To do this, take the plant out of the ground before it sprouts and divide it into several parts with a spade. Then loosen the soil, fold in the compost and place the plants in the garden. You should keep a distance of about 40 centimeters.
Detecting and combating pests and diseases in yarrow
With good care and suitable site conditions, the plant is largely spared from pests and diseases. Mildew or fungal infestation can still occur. You should therefore check the plants regularly in order to recognize a possible infestation in good time and to take appropriate care measures.
❍ Powdery mildew:
If a white coating reminiscent of flour or powder becomes visible on the leaves, it is probably powdery mildew. First of all, the covering can be easily removed. In the case of advanced infestation, the coating then also settles on the undersides of the leaves and the buds are then also affected. The leaves curl up and the growth of the plant is severely restricted. The fungus can spread particularly well on dry and warm days. If it gets cooler at night in spring or late summer and dew forms, this creates the ideal breeding ground for powdery mildew.
❍ Downy mildew:
Downy mildew is noticeable on the underside of the leaves. There is a whitish coating. The top of the leaf shows yellow-brown spots. The buds and shoots are affected by drying out. The infestation of downy mildew is favored on warm, humid days and cooler nights.A lack of nitrogen in the soil can also trigger the fungus.
What to do?
You should remove all affected parts of the plant and keep the plant roots moist. But don't water from above! You should also spray the plant with a mixture of milk and water. Repeat this several times a week.
You can prevent mildew infestation by planting the plants in the bed with a sufficient distance from each other. You should also not over-fertilize the soil with nitrogen-containing preparations. You should also keep the leaves largely dry. Therefore, only water directly at the roots. Planting yarrow near basil, chives or chervil also minimizes the risk of fungal infestation.
Important:
You must not dispose of removed plant parts on the compost, because the fungus could overwinter there and spread again in spring. You should also thoroughly clean the garden tools you use.