Goldie

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Asteraceae or Compositae

Order

Asterales

Genus

Yarrow

Species

tomentosa

Description

A perennial herbaceous plant with an erect habit and compact habitus; appreciated by landscapers and garden enthusiasts at all levels of experience for its luxuriant blooms that appear from early summer to early autumn with a profusion of flowers grouped in umbrella-like inflorescences with bright, intense colours suitable for creating spots of colour in flowerbeds and borders as well as in pots and planters, even in compositions with other ornamentals. It does not require any special care, offering the best growth performance in preferably sunny positions and in soil free of waterlogging.

Variety description

It is a very showy plant due to its deep yellow flowering, very hardy and floriferous in the summer-autumn period. Excellent for creating patches of colour.

Curiosities and special features

The generic term Achillea derives from the Greek hero Achilles, who in mythology used this plant to heal the wounds of his soldiers during the Trojan War; the epithet tomentosa, on the other hand, refers to the thick hair covering the stem. During the Middle Ages it was used to flavour and preserve beer, and the inflorescences, cut and dried, can be used for dried flower arrangements.

Origin and distribution

A species native to southern Europe and western Asia; European settlers spread it to America mainly as a plant used in local medicine. Today, with the different varieties available, it is an excellent solution for decorating gardens and balconies.

Flower size

The flower is singularly small, lending elegance to the inflorescence in which it is grouped.

Leaf

The leaf blades are indented.

Flowering period

Flowering lasts from early summer to early autumn for a duration of 120 to 150 days, adding an accent of colour to gardens and terraces for a long time.

Inflorescence

Compound umbrella inflorescence, typical of species belonging to the botanical family Asteraceae.

Leaf colour

Solid colours.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.5 to 0.7 m, making it ideal both for creating homogenous groups and for mixed compositions with other ornamentals.

Lifespan

Perennial plant.

Where to plant

Appreciated to add an accent of colour in flowerbeds, planters, outdoor tubs

Stem

Herbaceous stem, the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in form, small in size, with single-coloured petals. It is arranged in medium-sized compound umbrella inflorescences. It flowers from early summer to early autumn, with a flowering period of between 120 and 150 days. It is attractive to bees and butterflies.

Growth

The plant shows medium to vigorous growth, giving high aesthetic value to dense monochromatic groups.

Plant habit

The upright posture also allows it to be used in compositions with other ornamental species of different development and height.

Branching

The branching is medium, visually reinforced by the luxuriant flowering.

PH

For yarrow, the ideal pH of the soil or substrate is slightly acidic, with optimum values between 5.8 and 6.0.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting the plants into the garden in mid-spring, the soil must be properly prepared as follows: lightly dig up the soil and remove any weeds, crop residues and bulky stones, then bury slow-release organic or chemical fertiliser, which will provide the nutrients required for the seedling's initial development, and break up the coarser clods to make the soil more pliable and improve fertiliser distribution; if the soil is too compact and has poor drainage capacity, it is preferable to add sand. Finally, add professional substrate for flowering plants to the surface to a height of approx. 5/10 cm and carefully level out.

Sun exposure

Suitable for exposures sheltered from the wind in half shade, full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The biological temperature is between 10 and 30 °C. The ideal temperature is between 15 and 18 °C; it is ideal for temperate climates and tolerates summer heat if well watered.

Use

Due to its abundant and lustrous blooms, it is considered ideal as a plant in:
Ornamental

Hardiness

Variety of medium-high rusticity; does not tolerate waterlogging.

Soil

The ideal soil for use in flowerbeds is medium-textured and well-draining; for planters and pots a substrate of peat and perlite is recommended.

Difficulty

Varieties whose cultivation is fairly easy with an overall low level of management effort.

Growing tips

Here are some specific cultivation measures to achieve the best growth and flowering results:

Balanced fertilisation Avoid over-watering

Combinations with other plants

Suitable both for creating dense monochrome homogeneous groups and in composition with other ornamentals such as Canna indica, Echinacea purpurea, Gaillardia aristata, Gaura lindheimeri, Salvia nemorosa, Stipa tenuissima.

Planting

We recommend an average planting density in a flower bed of 6 plants per square metre in order to ensure proper vegetative development of each specimen, thus obtaining formally proportioned compositions with abundant flowering. We also suggest positioning the plant on a raised bed with the collar outside the soil surface, avoiding excessive compression of the root ball and watering immediately after planting, preferably during the morning hours.

Propagation

Propagation is by cuttings.

Watering

Using rainwater, alternatively from the aqueduct or canal, carry out balanced irrigation directly at the foot of the plant. Prevent water stagnation, with subsequent root rot, and water shortages that cause leaf yellowing as well as shorter flowering time. It is advisable to check the soil before watering, keeping it slightly moist.

Fertilising

After proper planting in the new planting site, apply a universal liquid ornamental plant fertiliser to the soil or substrate, which should be diluted in the irrigation water, without exceeding the doses and frequencies.

Pet safety

Ingestion toxicity to pets not known.

Edibility for humans

Species ornamental, not edible.

Toxicity for humans

Human toxicity not known, avoid ingestion.

Tip

It is suggested that the plants be kept dry for too long so that the vegetation does not turn yellow and the flowering does not wither. Prolonged drought reduces the duration of the inflorescence.