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Description
Achillea Millefolium Terracotta, also known as Terra Cotta Yarrow, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to Europe, Asia, and North America and is widely grown in gardens and landscapes for its ornamental value. It has a long blooming period, producing flat-topped clusters of small, bright orange-red flowers that bloom from early summer to early fall. The flowers are held on tall stems that rise above the plant’s attractive fern-like foliage, which is aromatic when crushed. The plant can grow up to 2-3 feet tall and spread 1-2 feet wide.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Achillea |
Appearance
Achillea Millefolium Terracotta has a compact, clumping growth habit with finely dissected, fern-like foliage that is aromatic when crushed. The leaves are green-grey in color and grow up to 4 inches long. The plant produces flat-topped clusters of small, bright orange-red flowers that bloom from early summer to early fall. The flowers are held on tall stems that can grow up to 2-3 feet tall and spread 1-2 feet wide. The plant has a moderate growth rate and can be easily propagated through division.
Care Guide
Achillea Millefolium Terracotta is a low maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some care tips to keep in mind:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing as this can lead to weak growth and fewer flowers.
- Soil: Plant the Achillea Millefolium Terracotta in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers a slightly alkaline soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may produce fewer flowers.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Achillea Millefolium Terracotta is generally disease and pest resistant but can be susceptible to certain issues, such as:
- Rust: This fungal disease causes orange or yellow spots on the leaves. It can be treated with a fungicide.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown or black spots on the leaves. It can be treated with a fungicide.
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mites: These tiny pests can cause yellow or brown discoloration on the leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Achillea Millefolium Terracotta is native to Europe, Asia, and North America and can be found growing in open meadows, fields, and along roadsides. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate drought conditions once established.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Achillea Millefolium Terracotta deer resistant?
A: Yes, the plant is deer resistant.Q: Can Achillea Millefolium Terracotta be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.Q: How often should Achillea Millefolium Terracotta be divided?
A: The plant should be divided every 2-3 years to maintain its vigor and prevent overcrowding.Q: Can Achillea Millefolium Terracotta be used for medicinal purposes?
A: Yes, the plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, including fever, inflammation, and digestive issues.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Achillea Millefolium Terracotta:
- Achillea Millefolium “Paprika”
- Achillea Millefolium “Appleblossom”
- Achillea Millefolium “Moonshine”
- Achillea Millefolium “Summer Berries”
References
- Dirr, Michael A. Dirr’s Encyclopedia of Trees and Shrubs. Timber Press, 2011.
- RHS Gardening. “Achillea Millefolium ‘Terracotta’ (Yarrow ‘Terracotta’).” https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/67005/Achillea-millefolium-Terracotta/Details. Accessed 12 July 2021.
- USDA Plants Database. “Achillea millefolium L.” https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ACMI2. Accessed 12 July 2021.
