Yarrow (Achillea 'Moonshine')
Achillea 'Moonshine' (Yarrow) is a compact, drought-tolerant perennial boasting long-lasting, bright lemon-yellow flowers ideal for borders.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Achillea ‘Moonshine’ cultivar is a highly valued selection within the Yarrow genus, cherished for its compact form and bright color display. This particular hybrid stands out due to its deeply-dissected, silvery-gray-green, fern-like foliage, which remains attractive even when not in bloom. Gardeners rely on Achillea ‘Moonshine’ for robust color that lasts from early summer well into the fall when properly maintained.
A key benefit of planting Yarrow is its resilience in challenging conditions once established. It thrives in lean, dry soils where many other perennials struggle, making it an indispensable choice for xeriscaping or sunny, exposed locations. The flattened clusters of lemon-yellow flowers are excellent for mixed borders, offering texture and a continuous source of material for fresh arrangements or drying.
To maintain the tidy appearance and prolong the bloom cycle of Achillea ‘Moonshine’, consistent deadheading is recommended. While generally tough, gardeners in hot and humid regions must monitor this cultivar, as it can be prone to melting out by late summer. Proper siting in well-drained soil is the single most important factor for success with this dependable perennial.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Asteraceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-2 ft
- Spread: 0.75-1 ft
- Bloom Time: June to September
- Bloom Description: Bright yellow
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
The ideal environment for Achillea ‘Moonshine’ requires consistent full sun exposure, as too much shade can lead to floppier stems that require staking. Plant this Yarrow in well-drained sandy loam soils; it tolerates poor soils but actively dislikes heavy clay and overly moist or rich conditions. If drainage is poor, consider amending the soil or planting in a raised bed to ensure the roots do not remain waterlogged.
Watering should be kept to a minimum, especially after establishment. Once rooted, this drought-tolerant perennial thrives in dry to medium moisture levels. Avoid frequent, shallow watering, which can promote foliage issues. Fertilization is generally unnecessary; lean soils encourage the best flower production and stem strength for Achillea ‘Moonshine’.
Routine maintenance involves grooming the plant for continuous flowering and tidiness. Deadhead spent flower heads by cutting back to strong lateral buds to encourage new blooms throughout the summer. After the main flowering period concludes, cut the entire plant back close to the basal leaves. This practice tidies the bed and promotes fresh new foliage growth, potentially spurring a light fall bloom for your Yarrow.
Clump division is recommended every three to four years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding within the planting area. When siting, try to place Achillea ‘Moonshine’ where it is somewhat protected from extremely strong winds, as exposed plants can sometimes be flattened during severe summer storms.
Landscape Uses
Achillea ‘Moonshine’ performs exceptionally well when integrated into flowing herbaceous borders, offering excellent structural contrast to softer, mounding plants. Due to its upright habit and moderate height, it functions perfectly in the middle ground of a mixed border design, providing a consistent wash of bright yellow. Group planting or massing this Yarrow creates a stunning visual impact when the dense, flattened corymbs are in full display against the silvery foliage.
This cultivar blends seamlessly into cottage garden designs, where its drought tolerance complements other low-maintenance sun lovers. It is also a strong candidate for wild gardens or naturalized areas where competition from native grasses or informal plantings benefit from its rugged constitution. While it is not typically used for hedging, planting masses of Achillea ‘Moonshine’ can create effective informal drifts of color.
Consider pairing the clear yellow tones of Yarrow with deep purples, cool blues, or contrasting whites to maximize visual interest. Its ability to handle dry soil makes it a reliable partner for coreopsis, salvia, and ornamental grasses that share similar low-water requirements.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Good Cut
- Good Dried
Noteworthy Characteristics
Achillea is a genus historically significant, named for the Greek hero Achilles who reportedly used it on the battlefield. The ‘Moonshine’ hybrid is specifically noted for its upright, compact habit, which keeps it shorter than many of its relatives. Its defining feature is the consistent display of tiny, long-lasting, bright lemon-yellow flowers held in flat clusters atop stiff stems throughout the summer months.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Drought
- Dry Soil
Potential Problems
While robust, Achillea ‘Moonshine’ can occasionally encounter fungal issues. Botrytis, stem rot, powdery mildew, and rust are occasionally observed, typically exacerbated by high humidity or poor air circulation. Ensure adequate spacing between plants and site them where they receive full sun and good air movement to mitigate these risks.
Due to its form, taller varieties of Yarrow sometimes require staking, though the compact ‘Moonshine’ is less prone to flopping. The major environmental concern is poor drainage; if planted in heavy, wet soil, the plant will suffer and may permanently decline (“melt out”). Always prioritize light, well-drained soil for this drought-tolerant perennial. Strong rains combined with wind can flatten exposed plantings, so choose sheltered spots where possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Yarrow suitable for?
Achillea ‘Moonshine’ is reliably hardy across USDA Zones 3 through 8, offering excellent adaptability for many northern and central gardeners.
How large does Achillea ‘Moonshine’ grow?
This compact Yarrow typically reaches a mature height between 1 and 2 feet tall, with an equal spread of about 0.75 to 1 foot wide, making it manageable for borders.
What sun exposure does Achillea ‘Moonshine’ need?
This specimen requires full sun to ensure upright growth and the best possible flowering performance throughout the season.
When does Yarrow bloom?
The vibrant, bright yellow flowers of Achillea ‘Moonshine’ unfurl starting in June and continue blooming through September if maintained with regular deadheading.
Conclusion
The Achillea ‘Moonshine’ cultivar remains a cornerstone perennial for gardeners seeking low-maintenance color in full sun locations. With its handsome silvery foliage and persistent bright yellow flowers, this Yarrow offers texture and resilience, especially in dry summer conditions. Before planting, confirm your site offers excellent drainage and ample sunlight, then plan to deadhead regularly to maximize the season of interest for your Achillea ‘Moonshine’.
Companion Planting
When planning borders around Achillea ‘Moonshine’, focus on species that appreciate similar low-water and full-sun conditions. Pairing the upright structure of Yarrow with contrasting textures, such as the fine blades of ornamental grasses like Stipa tenuissima, creates movement and interest. For color contrast, plant with purple coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) or Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia); these companions share the same preference for dry, sunny sites.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring cleanup involves cutting back the previous season’s dried stalks to basal growth once new foliage emerges. Avoid fertilizing unless the soil is exceptionally poor, as rich feeding encourages weak, floppy stems. Summer care centers on deadheading spent flower heads consistently to promote a longer bloom cycle for the Achillea ‘Moonshine’. In late fall, after the first hard frost, consider cutting the foliage down if it appears diseased or overly tattered, preparing the clump for winter dormancy.
