Description
Introduction to Achillea ‘The Pearl’
Achillea ‘The Pearl’, also known as Yarrow or Milfoil, is a robust herbaceous perennial from the Asteraceae family, native to Europe. This variety is distinguished by its pure white, double-flowered blooms that stand out in any garden setting. The small, button-like flowers with multiple layers of petals radiate from a central disc and are densely packed into large, rounded clusters. Each cluster measures several centimetres across, creating a lush and full appearance.
‘The Pearl’ typically blooms from summer to autumn, offering a long season of interest and classic beauty. The plant forms neat clumps of finely divided, fern-like foliage, lending it a delicate and airy appearance as it gradually spreads without becoming invasive, maintaining a tidy presence in garden beds. When crushed, the foliage releases a subtle aroma, adding another sensory dimension to the plant. Its bright, white flowers remain vibrant both on the plant and as cut flowers, preserving their freshness over an extended period—perfect for elegant floral arrangements.
Once established, ‘The Pearl’ yarrow requires minimal care, making it an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy a sophisticated and lively garden without the extra effort. Its pure white blooms not only add a touch of elegance to your space but also attract pollinators like butterflies and bees, bringing your garden to life. Plant Achillea in sunny borders, rock gardens, or wildflower meadows, where it can thrive as excellent ground cover, filling in sparse areas with its bright, clean hues while supporting a thriving ecosystem. It’s a delightful and low-maintenance way to enhance your garden’s beauty and vitality.
What to Do When You Receive Achillea
When your Achillea plants arrive, carefully unpack and inspect them for any damage. If they seem dry, lightly water the roots, but be careful not to overwater. If you can’t plant them immediately, store the plants in a cool, shaded area, keeping them slightly moist.
For bare-root plants, wrap the roots in a moist newspaper or pack them in a breathable material like damp peat moss, straw, or dry sawdust to absorb excess moisture and provide insulation. Avoid leaving them bare in the box, as this can cause the roots to dry out or be exposed to fluctuating conditions.
When you’re ready to plant, select a sunny spot with well-drained, moist soil. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root system, and position the plant in the hole with the crown just below the soil surface. Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the roots. Water thoroughly to help the plant settle in. If you’re planting multiple Achilleas, space them 50-60 cm apart to ensure proper air circulation and growth. Since these are new Achilleas, it’s important to feed the plants with a liquid seaweed fertiliser to support the establishment of strong new roots.
Best Time to Plant Achillea
Achillea can be planted from June onwards, but they thrive best when planted in early spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May). Planting during these periods allows the plants to establish themselves before the extremes of summer or winter, leading to healthier growth and more abundant blooms.
Climate Suitability for Achillea
Achillea is a versatile and hardy perennial that can adapt to a range of climates across Australia. From the cool regions of Tasmania to the warmer areas of Queensland, Achillea plants have proven their ability to grow in various conditions. However, while Achillea can grow in cool to tropical regions of Australia, they thrive best in temperate and cool-temperate climates. These climates provide the ideal conditions for robust growth and abundant flowering, while Achillea is less tolerant of the high humidity typical of tropical regions. For gardeners in tropical areas, extra care may be needed to ensure the plants remain healthy and vigorous.
Planting Instructions for Australian Climates
Cool to Temperate Climates (e.g., Tasmania, Victoria, and parts of New South Wales):
Plant Achillea in early spring or autumn when the soil is workable. Early spring planting allows the plant to establish before the summer heat, while autumn planting benefits from cooler, moist conditions.
- Soil: Achillea thrives in well-draining, moist soil and can adapt to poor to moderately fertile conditions. If you have heavy clay soil, improve drainage with organic matter or sand. While Achillea tolerates less fertile soil, adding well-rotted manure or a liquid seaweed fertiliser can enhance growth. However, avoid over-fertilising, as it may lead to excessive growth and the need for staking.
- Planting Depth: Plant Achillea with the crown just below the soil surface, spacing them 50-60 cm apart when planting in the ground to allow room for growth.
- Watering: Water moderately after planting to help the roots establish. Once established, water only during extended dry periods, as Achillea is drought-tolerant and prefers well-draining soil that dries out between watering.
- Fertilising: For new Achilleas, if well-rotted manure isn’t available, apply a liquid seaweed fertiliser at planting to promote strong root development. Once established, fertilising is not strictly necessary, but you can use a complete fertiliser like 10-10-10 or 5-10-10 to provide balanced nutrients. This helps avoid excessive nitrogen, which could lead to too much leafy growth and fewer blooms. Apply in the spring to encourage new growth, but be careful not to over-fertilise, as this may result in excessive foliage at the expense of flowers.
- Mulching: Apply a light layer of mulch around the base of the plant after the first frost to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds, but keep it away from the crown to prevent rot. In spring, you can refresh the mulch to help conserve moisture as the weather warms up and to suppress early weed growth.
- Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers throughout the growing season to encourage additional blooms and maintain a tidy appearance. In late autumn, prune the plant back to tidy up and prepare for winter.
- Winter Care: Achillea is a hardy perennial that can withstand cooler temperatures, including light to moderate frost. It may die back to the ground in winter but typically regrows from the roots in spring. Applying a light layer of mulch after the first frost helps protect the roots during harsh winters. Overall, Achillea is quite resilient to frost.
Mediterranean Climates (e.g., Southern and Western Australia, including Perth and Adelaide):
Plant Achillea in early to mid-spring, typically between late August and early October. This timing allows the plants to establish their root systems before the intense summer heat arrives. Planting in this window ensures that the soil is warm enough for good root development, while still giving the plants enough time to acclimate and strengthen before facing the higher temperatures of late spring and summer.
- Soil: Achillea thrives in poor, well-drained soil. You can enhance the soil with organic matter like well-rotted manure or blood and bone before planting, but be careful not to make it too fertile, as this can lead to excessive growth and the need for staking. Good drainage is essential; if necessary, improve it by adding sand or organic matter.
- Planting Depth: Plant Achillea with the crown just below the soil surface, spacing them 50-60 cm apart when planting in the ground to allow room for growth.
- Watering: Water regularly during the growing season, especially in the first year after planting. Once established, reduce watering to occasional deep waterings during prolonged dry spells. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot.
- Fertilising: For new Achilleas, if well-rotted manure isn’t available, apply a liquid seaweed fertiliser at planting to promote strong root development. Once established, fertilising is not strictly necessary, but you can use a complete fertiliser like 10-10-10 or 5-10-10 to provide balanced nutrients. This helps avoid excessive nitrogen, which could lead to too much leafy growth and fewer blooms. Apply in the spring to encourage new growth, but be careful not to over-fertilise, as this may result in excessive foliage at the expense of flowers.
- Mulching: Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but keep the mulch away from the crown to prevent rot.
- Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming and maintain a neat appearance. In late autumn, trim back the plant to prepare for winter.
- Winter Care: Minimal winter care is required in Mediterranean climates, but you can apply a light mulch to protect the roots if necessary.
Subtropical Climates (e.g., coastal New South Wales and Southern Queensland):
Plant Achillea in early spring, taking advantage of the milder weather before the heat and humidity increase.
- Soil: Achillea thrives in poor, well-draining soil. If desired, amend with organic matter like well-rotted manure or blood and bone, but avoid overly fertile soil to prevent aggressive growth and staking. Ensure good drainage, especially in humid conditions, by adding sand or organic matter.
- Planting Depth: Plant Achillea with the crown just below the soil surface, spacing them 50-60 cm apart when planting in the ground to allow room for growth.
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Ensure the soil has time to dry slightly between waterings to prevent waterlogging, which can be an issue in humid conditions.
- Fertilising: For new Achilleas, if well-rotted manure isn’t available, apply a liquid seaweed fertiliser at planting to promote strong root development. Once established, fertilising is not strictly necessary, but you can use a complete fertiliser like 10-10-10 or 5-10-10 to provide balanced nutrients. This helps avoid excessive nitrogen, which could lead to too much leafy growth and fewer blooms. Apply in the spring to encourage new growth, but be careful not to over-fertilise, as this may result in excessive foliage at the expense of flowers.
- Mulching: Mulch around the plant to help retain soil moisture and reduce the impact of dry spells, while ensuring good air circulation around the plant.
- Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming and maintain a tidy appearance. In late autumn, prune the plant back as needed.
- Winter Care: Achillea typically does not require much winter care in subtropical climates. If necessary, apply a light mulch to protect the roots during cooler periods.
Arid and Semi-Arid Climates (e.g., Central and Inland Australia):
Plant Achillea in early spring to take advantage of the cooler, wetter period before the intense summer heat.
- Soil: Achillea thrives in poor, well-draining soil, especially in sandy or rocky conditions. Amend with well-rotted manure or blood and bone if desired, but avoid overly fertile soil to prevent aggressive growth and staking. Ensure excellent drainage, especially in heavy soils, by adding sand or gravel.
- Planting Depth: Plant Achillea with the crown just below the soil surface, spacing them 50-60 cm apart when planting in the ground to allow room for growth.
- Watering: Water deeply after planting to establish roots, but once established, Achillea requires minimal watering. Water occasionally during prolonged droughts or heatwaves, as the plant is highly drought-tolerant.
- Fertilising: For new Achilleas, if well-rotted manure isn’t available, apply a liquid seaweed fertiliser at planting to promote strong root development. Once established, fertilising is not strictly necessary, but you can use a complete fertiliser like 10-10-10 or 5-10-10 to provide balanced nutrients. This helps avoid excessive nitrogen, which could lead to too much leafy growth and fewer blooms. Apply in the spring to encourage new growth, but be careful not to over-fertilise, as this may result in excessive foliage at the expense of flowers.
- Mulching: Mulch sparingly, if at all, as the plant is adapted to dry conditions. The plant is naturally adapted to dry conditions, so too much mulch can retain excess moisture and lead to root problems. If you do choose to mulch, apply a very light layer in spring to help conserve some moisture during the hotter months, but be careful not to overdo it, ensuring the soil remains well-drained.
- Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooms and maintain a tidy appearance. In late autumn, prune the plant back to prepare for winter.
- Winter Care: Achillea typically requires minimal winter care in arid climates, where dry conditions mean there’s less concern about soil moisture loss or erosion, so mulching is usually unnecessary. To avoid the risk of excess moisture, it’s best to skip mulching in winter. However, a light mulch can be applied if there’s a risk of unusually cold weather to provide some extra protection.
Tropical Climates (e.g., Northern Queensland, Northern Territory, and coastal New South Wales):
While Achillea can be successfully grown in tropical regions with proper care to manage drainage and humidity, they are better suited to and thrive in cool to temperate climates due to their sensitivity to high humidity. With that being said, by following the right steps and giving them the necessary attention, gardeners in tropical regions can still enjoy the appeal of Achillea, but it is recommended to grow them at your discretion.
Plant Achillea in early spring before the rainy season begins, or in autumn if it’s a drier period.
- Soil: Achillea thrives in poor soil but needs good drainage. If desired, amend with organic matter like well-rotted manure or blood and bone before planting, but avoid overly fertile soil to prevent aggressive growth and staking. Use well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging, especially during heavy rains, and consider raised beds or containers for better drainage.
- Planting Depth: Plant Achillea with the crown just below the soil surface, spacing them 50-60 cm apart when planting in the ground to allow room for growth.
- Watering: Water carefully to avoid waterlogged conditions, especially during the rainy season. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, and reduce watering during periods of high humidity to prevent root rot. Raised beds or well-draining soil can help manage moisture levels.
- Fertilising: For new Achilleas, if well-rotted manure isn’t available, apply a liquid seaweed fertiliser at planting to promote strong root development. Once established, fertilising is not strictly necessary, but you can use a complete fertiliser like 10-10-10 or 5-10-10 to provide balanced nutrients. This helps avoid excessive nitrogen, which could lead to too much leafy growth and fewer blooms. Apply in the spring to encourage new growth, but be careful not to over-fertilise, as this may result in excessive foliage at the expense of flowers.
- Mulching: Mulch lightly to keep roots cool and reduce the impact of heavy rains, but ensure the mulch does not trap too much moisture around the plant, which could lead to rot.
- Pruning: Regularly deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and maintain a neat appearance. In late autumn, trim back the plant as needed to prepare for the next growing season.
- Winter Care: In tropical climates, Achillea may not require much winter care, but monitor for excessive moisture. If needed, apply a light mulch to protect the roots.
How to Plant Achillea in Pots
Growing Achillea in pots is ideal if you want to control the plant’s environment, move it around to find the best light, or enjoy its vibrant blooms on a patio or balcony. Additionally, since Achillea can be prone to spreading, pots offer a great solution for containing the plant and preventing it from overtaking garden spaces.
Achillea ‘The Pearl’ grows to a height of 60-100 cm and has a moderate spread, making it a striking choice for container gardening. To ensure healthy growth and stability, choose a pot with a diameter of at least 50-60 cm and a depth of at least 50 cm. This size provides ample space for the roots and keeps the plant manageable while still allowing it to flourish.
Smaller pots can work for growing Achillea, but they may limit the plant’s size and require more frequent care, such as watering and nutrient management. For best results, choose a pot size that matches your space and how large you want the plant to grow, with the understanding that smaller pots will likely result in a more compact plant.
While it’s not always necessary to move Achillea to a larger pot, doing so can promote better health and more vigorous growth, especially if the plant becomes root-bound. If the plant shows signs of poor health, such as reduced flowering or stunted growth, it can either be divided to rejuvenate it or planted into a larger pot to give the roots more space to expand. This will help maintain the plant’s vitality and ensure it continues to produce its beautiful, pure white blooms. For added support, consider using a stake or trellis if the plant becomes top-heavy as it matures.
To plant Achillea in pots, start by selecting a pot at least 50-60 cm wide with good drainage holes. Use a well-draining potting mix, adding some sand or perlite if needed for better drainage. Position the plant in the pot with the crown just below the soil surface, then fill in around the roots and gently firm the soil down.
Water thoroughly after planting to help the plant settle in, and ensure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged as it establishes. Place the pot in a sunny spot where the Achillea will receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. For new plants, use a liquid seaweed fertiliser at planting to support healthy growth.
In early spring feed Achilleas with a complete fertiliser with an N-P-K ratio such as 10-10-10 or 5-10-10. Continue feeding every 4-6 weeks throughout the season, as potted plants may require more regular feeding due to limited soil volume. Always dilute the fertiliser according to the package instructions to avoid over-fertilising, which can harm the plants. Water the plants before and after applying fertiliser to distribute the nutrients evenly and prevent root burn. Be cautious not to over-apply, as too much nitrogen can lead to lush foliage with fewer blooms, especially in potted Achilleas that prefer leaner conditions.
Please note: While feeding potted Achillea can enhance growth and flowering, it’s not strictly necessary if the plant is healthy and in a nutrient-rich or high-quality potting mix. This type of mix often contains organic matter or slow-release nutrients, reducing the need for additional fertilising. However, occasional feeding may still be beneficial, especially in smaller pots or if you want to maximise blooming.
In cooler climates, protect the potted Achillea from frost during winter by moving it to a sheltered location or wrapping the pot with insulating material. In warmer climates, provide some afternoon shade if necessary to prevent the pot from overheating, and ensure the soil doesn’t dry out completely. In humid climates, maintain good air circulation around the pot to prevent mildew or rot, and avoid overwatering.
For pruning, mulching, and general care of the plant, please refer to your climate region’s section for more detailed information, as these instructions can also be applied to potted plants.
Division of Achillea
Achillea multiplies rapidly and can be lifted and divided during its dormant period in winter. Dividing every 3-4 years is recommended to keep the plants healthy and vigorous, ensuring continuous blooms and preventing overcrowding. However, since Achillea is typically planted in spring across all climate regions, here’s how to manage division timing:
If you need to divide your plants but prefer to wait until spring to replant, start by thoroughly watering the plant a day before you plan to divide it. This will help soften the soil and reduce stress on the plant.
After dividing, store the sections in a cool, dry place, such as a garage or shed, where they won’t be exposed to extreme temperatures. Wrap the roots in slightly damp peat moss or store them in breathable material like straw or sawdust to keep them from drying out. Keep the roots moist but not wet until you’re ready to plant in spring.
If you prefer to replant your divided Achillea immediately, choose a well-drained, sunny spot and follow the usual planting steps. When Achilleas are divided, especially during their first year of division, they are in a vulnerable phase and need to establish a strong root system. During this time, applying a liquid seaweed fertiliser provides a gentle boost of nutrients, including essential micronutrients and growth hormones, helping the plants settle in more quickly and grow stronger. While this is particularly beneficial during the first division, it can also be helpful after subsequent divisions, though it’s not strictly necessary if your soil is healthy. This allows the plants to acclimate over winter, giving them a head start when spring arrives. Be mindful that if you plant them right away, they may require extra care to protect them from winter conditions, depending on your climate.
Pest and Disease Management for Achillea
Achillea is generally pest-resistant, but it can occasionally encounter pests like aphids and spittlebugs, which can be easily managed with insecticidal soap or water sprays. In humid conditions, it may face powdery mildew, and poorly drained soils can lead to root rot. Maintaining good air circulation, well-drained soil, and proper watering will help prevent these issues.
Summary
Achillea ‘The Pearl’ is a versatile and reliable choice for any garden. Its elegant white blooms, easy care requirements, and adaptability make it suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners. Whether you’re looking to enhance borders, rock gardens, or containers, ‘The Pearl’ offers lasting beauty and minimal maintenance, making it an ideal addition to any outdoor space.
Supplied as a bare-rooted plant.
Important Reminder: While we strive for realistic representations of our products, factors such as climatic conditions, natural variation, or manufacturing changes may affect the exact appearance of each variety. Generally, the images used depict mature specimens, while the supplied stock is dormant or juvenile and will develop over time. These images are intended as a guide only.