Siberian or Chinese Yarrow
Perhaps the best of the Achillea (Yarrow) species to grow, Achillea alpina is from Japan, Korea through to Canada, Siberia and Northern China.
It is not regarded as invasive as are many other Achillea species, this one is both frost and drought tolerant, Thick leathery leaves, white flowers are white although shades of violet in some varieties And we believe that A. alpina is synonymous with A. sibirica,
A few sub species are to be found including A. alpina camtschatica. And Achillea alpina subsp. pulchra with pink flowers.
Flowering from late spring to mid summer depending on the climate zone, The leaves are simple, divided but not to the central leaf axis or mid rib (pinnatifid) and incised (jagged edges).
Height varies depending on the origin of the seed or plant as well as the climate zone and soil. Generally 20 – 50 cm.
How To Grow Achillea alpina – Basic Care
The best place to grow Achillea alpina is in a rock garden, crevice garden or in a well drained soil in the garden border. This is a plant that will form a clump over time so give it a little room to grow and ‘do its own thing’.
It makes a great ground cover plant, could be grown beneath roses especially standard roses, and is suited to containers, so could also grown in courtyards.
You could also grow this one in a trough if desired.
- Choose a position with good morning sun and some light afternoon shade is warmer climate zones.
- A well drained soil is essential so add extra drainage material to planting soil if need. Horticultural grit, pumice or scoria are all suitable depending on the soil.
- Water the plant well with a liquid seaweed fertiliser.
- Mulch around the plant to suppress weeds and maintain a cool moist root run.
- Fertilise with a liquid fertiliser, or a little slow release organic fertiliser in spring.
Watering
Watering frequency depend on the climate, soil and of course rainfall. As a guide, a deep watering every 3 – 5 days in summer should be adequate.
Ensure that the soil dries a little between watering.
Pruning
Light pruning at the end of winter just as new growth begins is all that is needed. Do not prune back by more than 1/3 at any time.
Immediately after pruning is a good time to renew mulch and fertilse. Mulch encourages the plant to spread by providing a moist cool cover that the root system thrives on.
Propagation
Like all Achillea species, A. alpina can be propagated from seed, or by division in early spring.