Achillea Terracotta, a yarrow cultivar, is a beautiful flowering plant that stuns in any garden or bouquet. Most people cannot resist its vibrant clusters of terracotta-hued flowers. The plant is very easy to take care of, making it an excellent choice for beginner gardeners. However, even experienced gardeners find its natural beauty irresistible.
The name of the plant itself is a reference from Greek mythology. Achilles, the hero of Homer’s Iliad, used yarrow to treat his soldiers’ wounds. In addition to its medicinal properties, this gorgeous mosaic of blooms also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden.
| Botanical Name | Achillea Millefolium |
| Common Name | Terracotta, Yarrow |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Flower Color | Bright yellow |
| Size When Mature | 36 inches tall |
| Bloom Time | Late spring to early summer |
| Sun Requirements | Full sun, tolerates some shade |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | 3 – 8 |
| Soil PH Range | 5.0 – 5.8 |
| Soil Type | Weakly acidic, well-draining, moist, loam |
| Water Needs | Medium |
| Native Area | Europe |
What You Need to Know About Achillea Terracotta
Achillea Terracotta is a perennial herb that belongs to the sunflower family. It is native to Europe but has been naturalized in North America. The plant has a fibrous root system with erect, unbranched stems that can grow up to 3 feet tall. Its green leaves are fern-like, arranged in a spiral pattern on the stem.
During early summer, Achillea Terracotta produces flat-topped clusters of flowers. Each flower has 5 to 7 petals that are papery and thin. It blooms vibrant yellow-colored flowers that enlighten any garden!
There’s no wonder this eye-catching plant is a favorite of so many gardeners, with its cut flowers also being used in bouquets.
As a deer-resistant plant, this yarrow is perfect for gardeners who live in deer-prone areas. It is also drought-tolerant once it is established, which makes it a low-maintenance plant, ideal for busy gardeners.
How to Care for Achillea Terracotta
Here’s everything you need to know about growing and caring for a thriving Achillea Terracotta plant:
Light
Best placed in the full sun, Achillea Terracotta will bloom the heaviest in direct sunlight. It can tolerate some light shade but may not bloom as heavily. In fact, too much shade may cause the plant to become floppy.
Water and Soil Needs
This yarrow prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate various soils, including clay and sand. It is important to make sure the soil is not waterlogged, as this will cause the roots to rot. Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter to improve drainage. Once it is established, the plant is quite drought-tolerant.
Moreover, this hardy plant can tolerate different soil acidity and alkalinity levels but can thrive in weakly acidic soils within a 5.0 – 5.8 pH range.
Temperature Requirements
In terms of temperature, Achillea Terracotta plants should be kept between USDA hardiness zones 3-8. This hardy plant can withstand cold winters, with it being able to tolerate temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Its ideal temperature during the growing season is between 5-24 degrees Fahrenheit and can withstand short periods of heat.
Fertilizer
The best fertilizer to use on Achillea Terracotta is a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer. However, note that this plant does not require a lot of fertilizer. In fact, too much fertilizer will cause the plant to produce more foliage than flowers, and its excessive growth may cause the plant to become floppy.
It is best to fertilize your plant before it blooms in late spring or early summer. You can also top-dress the soil with compost in early spring.
Common Diseases
While this common yarrow is reasonably resistant to diseases and pests, it is still susceptible to a few problems. Some of the most common diseases that may affect your plant include botrytis, powdery mildew, and rust.
To prevent these diseases from affecting your plant, make sure to space your plants properly to allow for adequate air circulation. You should also water the plant at the base to avoid getting the leaves wet. If you see any affected leaves, be sure to remove them immediately.
Achillea Terracotta Propagation
Achillea Terracotta is a beautiful perennial plant that produces vibrant yellow flowers. The multi-petaled blooms are a favorite of bees and butterflies, and the plant itself is easy to propagate. During the spring, take stem cuttings about 4-6 inches long.
Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cut end into the rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a pot filled with well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist but not wet, and place the pot in a bright, sunny spot.
Be sure to keep the cutting well-watered, and in about 6-8 weeks, you should see new growth. Once the plants are established, they can be transplanted into the garden, where they will bloom for many seasons to come. Be sure to space the plants about 18 inches apart.
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