Yarrow The Pearl

Definitely! 'The Pearl' is an excellent cut flower. Its tiny, double white flowers resemble baby's breath and stay fresh in a vase for up to 10 days. It is also excellent for drying for dry arrangements – for this purpose, cut the flowers when they are fully open and dry them hanging "upside down" in a dark and ventilated place.

If you notice that the center of the clump is starting to go bald (die back) or the plant is blooming less than before, it is time for rejuvenation. This is usually done every 2 to 4 years. Dig up the clump in spring or autumn, divide it with a spade into smaller parts, discard the old center, and replant the strong outer parts into enriched soil.

This cultivar grows to a height of around 60–80 cm and bears a multitude of double flowers. In very rich and moist soils or on a windy site, the stems may tend to fall over.

• We recommend planting plants in denser groups so they support each other.
• Alternatively, you can use circular supports for perennials or insert inconspicuous stakes next to them.

Although Sneezewort leaves were historically used in small quantities in salads for their spicy taste, consumption is generally not recommended nowadays. The plant can induce mouth irritation or digestive issues in sensitive individuals. It is better to enjoy its beauty in the flowerbed than on the plate.

Yes, increased caution is needed. Plants of the genus Achillea contain substances that can be toxic to dogs, cats, and horses if ingested in larger quantities. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, or skin irritation. We recommend planting out of direct reach of animals that like to nibble on plants.

This plant is relatively resilient, but two main problems may appear:

1. Powdery mildew (powdery coating on leaves): Appears if the plant suffers from drought or is in a location with poor air circulation. Prevention is sufficient watering.
2. Aphids: Can attack young shoots. They can be rinsed off with a stream of water or treated with a natural soap or oil-based spray.

Yes, Sneezewort spreads via underground rhizomes and can be quite vigorous in an ideal location.

• If you want to prevent its spreading, we recommend limiting it with a spade in spring or autumn (chopping off unwanted shoots).
• It can also be grown in large containers or sunken bottomless buckets, which prevent the roots from spreading uncontrolled.

Sneezewort Yarrow is a fully frost-hardy perennial. In autumn, when the above-ground part dries up (or early in spring), simply cut the dry stems just above the ground. No special winter protection is usually needed unless you are growing the plant in a container (where it is consistent to wrap the pot so the root ball does not freeze).

The secret to long flowering is cutting back. As soon as the first flush of flowers begins to fade and turn brown, cut back the stems. This often encourages a second, albeit slightly weaker, flush of flowers in late summer or early autumn. Regularly removing spent heads also improves the plant's appearance.

Yarrow 'The Pearl' likes nutrient-rich soil. When planting, we recommend mixing well-rotted compost into the hole. During the growing season (in spring when sprouting), you can fertilize with a universal fertilizer for perennials. However, it is not necessary to overdo the fertilizing; too much nitrogen could lead to leggy and weak stems that would flop over.

Given its moisture requirements, combine it with plants that like similar conditions ("wet feet"). Great neighbors are:

• Monarda
• Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
• Goat's beard (Aruncus)
• Irises (Iris sibirica)

The white flowers of 'The Pearl' beautifully soften the bold colors of these perennials.

Yes, they differ fundamentally! While common Yarrow loves drought, the 'The Pearl' cultivar requires moisture. Ideal conditions for it are:

• Sunny site to partial shade (it will flower more in full sun).
• Moist to wet soil – it is perfectly suited for ponds, streams, or damp parts of the garden.
• Nutrient-rich soil that does not dry out.

Sneezewort (Achillea ptarmica) seedlings are ideal to plant in spring (as soon as the danger of strong frosts has passed, usually from April to May) or in autumn (September to October). If planting in spring, the plant has the whole season to root well. With summer planting, it is absolutely crucial to ensure very frequent watering so the root ball does not dry out.

The name comes from the Greek word ptairo (to sneeze). In the past, the dried leaves of this plant were ground into a powder and used as snuff to induce sneezing, which was considered a way to "clear the head". That is why it is called Sneezewort in English.

Water the seedling thoroughly immediately after planting. In the first weeks after planting, keep the soil constantly slightly moist so the plant can root. Since Achillea ptarmica does not tolerate drought, it will require regular watering on hot summer days, even if it is already fully grown. If its leaves droop, it is a signal to water immediately.