Contents
Description
Achillea Ptarmica, commonly known as Sneezeweed or Yarrow, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia and has been naturalized in North America. The plant grows up to 2-3 feet tall and produces white, pink or yellow flowers that bloom from June to September. The leaves of the plant are fern-like and have a pungent odour when crushed.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Achillea |
Appearance
Achillea Ptarmica has a clump-forming growth habit and produces a basal rosette of leaves. The leaves are lance-shaped, and the edges are toothed. The plant produces multiple stems that are upright and branched. The flowers are produced in flat-topped clusters and can be white, pink or yellow. The flowers have a distinctive smell and are attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Care Guide
Achillea Ptarmica is a low maintenance plant that is easy to grow. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once in early spring and once in mid-summer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Achillea Ptarmica is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be affected by powdery mildew, rust, and root rot. To prevent these diseases, avoid overcrowding the plant and provide good air circulation. The plant can also be affected by aphids and spider mites, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Achillea Ptarmica is commonly found in meadows, grasslands, and along roadsides. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate some shade. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Achillea Ptarmica grow in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the plant receives enough sunlight.
Q: How often should I fertilize Achillea Ptarmica?
A: Fertilize the plant once in early spring and once in mid-summer with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: How can I control powdery mildew on Achillea Ptarmica?
A: To prevent powdery mildew, avoid overcrowding the plant and provide good air circulation. If the plant is already affected, spray it with a fungicide.
Q: How tall does Achillea Ptarmica grow?
A: The plant grows up to 2-3 feet tall.
Related Plants
- Achillea millefolium (Common Yarrow)
- Achillea filipendulina (Fernleaf Yarrow)
- Achillea clavennae (Silvery Yarrow)
References
- BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine. (2021). How to grow sneezewort. Retrieved from https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-grow-sneezewort/
- Royal Horticultural Society. (n.d.). Achillea ptarmica ‘The Pearl’. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/843/achillea-ptarmica-the-pearl/details
- University of Wisconsin-Madison. (n.d.). Achillea ptarmica. Retrieved from https://wimastergardener.org/article/sneezewort-achillea-ptarmica/
