Achillea Nana

Description

Achillea Nana, commonly known as Dwarf Yarrow or Dwarf Milfoil, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a perennial plant, which means it lives for more than two years, and is native to the mountains of Turkey. The plant is a small, clump-forming herbaceous perennial that grows up to 10cm tall, and produces tiny white or pink flowers on long stems, which bloom from late spring to summer.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Achillea Nana has a compact, bushy habit with finely divided, fern-like leaves that are dark green in color. The leaves grow up to 2.5cm long and are arranged alternately along the stems. The plant produces tiny flowers, which are arranged in flat-topped clusters on stems that can reach up to 30cm in height. The flowers are usually white, but can also be pink or pale yellow depending on the variety. They bloom profusely from late spring to summer, and are followed by small, dry fruits.

Care Guide

Achillea Nana is a low-maintenance plant that requires very little care. Here are some tips on how to take care of this plant:

• Water: Achillea Nana prefers well-drained soil and doesn’t like to be waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week, and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
• Fertilization: This plant doesn’t require much fertilization. You can apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
• Soil: Achillea Nana prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but doesn’t like heavy clay soils.
• Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to part shade. It can tolerate some shade, but will produce fewer flowers.
• Hardiness Zones: Achillea Nana can grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Achillea Nana is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to powdery mildew, rust, and root rot if the soil is too moist. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect this plant:

• Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves. It can be treated with a fungicide.
• Rust: This fungal disease appears as orange or brown spots on the leaves. It can be treated with a fungicide.
• Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering and can lead to the death of the plant. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-drained.

Habitat

Achillea Nana is native to the mountains of Turkey, where it grows in rocky or gravelly soils at high elevations. It can tolerate cold temperatures and is adapted to dry, sunny conditions. In cultivation, this plant is often used in rock gardens, alpine gardens, and as a groundcover in sunny borders.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Achillea Nana a good plant for beginners?

A: Yes, Achillea Nana is a good plant for beginners because it is easy to care for and doesn’t require much maintenance.

Q: Can Achillea Nana grow in containers?

A: Yes, Achillea Nana can grow in containers as long as the soil is well-drained and the container is placed in a sunny location.

Q: How do I propagate Achillea Nana?

A: Achillea Nana can be propagated by division in the spring or fall. Simply dig up the clump and separate the individual plants, then replant them in well-drained soil.

Q: Can I prune Achillea Nana?

A: Yes, you can prune Achillea Nana to promote bushier growth and to remove dead flowers. Simply cut back the stems to just above a leaf node.

Related Plants

• Achillea millefolium (Common Yarrow)
• Achillea ptarmica (Sneezewort)
• Achillea filipendulina (Fern-leaf Yarrow)
• Achillea sibirica (Siberian Yarrow)

References

• Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Achillea nana. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d493
• RHS. (n.d.). Achillea nana. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/130828/Achillea-nana/Details
• University of Minnesota Extension. (n.d.). Dwarf yarrow. Retrieved from https://extension.umn.edu/groundcovers/dwarf-yarrow