Achillea 'Little Moonshine'

Achillea 'Little Moonshine': Compact Radiance for Every Garden

Bright, cheerful, and impressively resilient, Achillea 'Little Moonshine' brings the golden glow of classic yarrow into a perfectly compact form. Flat-topped clusters of lemon-yellow blooms rise above soft, silvery foliage, creating a luminous focal point from early summer through fall. With its dwarf habit and fine texture, this sun-loving perennial is a go-to for containers, rock gardens, and small spaces. Pollinator-friendly and drought tolerant, it delivers big impact in a neat, front-of-border package.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 25–30 cm
• Spread: 35–45 cm
• Flower Colour: Bright lemon-yellow
• Flowering Period: Early summer to early fall
• Foliage: Finely textured, aromatic, silvery-grey leaves
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained; tolerant of sandy or rocky soils

Uses and Benefits: Compact yet commanding, 'Little Moonshine' thrives in sunny beds, slopes, containers, and xeriscapes. Its tidy habit and repeat blooms bring lasting brightness to small gardens and front-of-border plantings. Nectar-rich flowers draw in butterflies and bees, while deer and drought resistance make it a smart, low-maintenance choice for challenging sites. This plant shines in tough conditions without sacrificing style or season-long performance.

Companion Plants: Pair with Salvia 'May Night' for a bold interplay of violet-blue and yellow, extending colour through the season. Add Sedum 'Autumn Joy' for late-season structure and harmony in texture and toughness. Finish with Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote', whose fragrant spikes and silvery foliage echo the form and tones of the yarrow. Together, these companions create a balanced, drought-tolerant, and pollinator-friendly planting.

Care Instructions: Water deeply but infrequently once established, and avoid heavy, wet soils. Deadhead spent flowers to extend the bloom period and maintain a clean look. Cut back in late fall or early spring to refresh the clump. Fertilization is typically unnecessary—this yarrow thrives in lean, well-drained conditions with minimal care.

History: A refined selection of the beloved ‘Moonshine’ yarrow, 'Little Moonshine' was bred for compact size, improved branching, and repeat blooming. Developed as a modern update to a classic favourite, it carries the genetics of Achillea millefolium, a species native to Europe and western Asia, known for its adaptability and ornamental value.

Final Thoughts: With its golden blooms, compact frame, and carefree nature, Achillea 'Little Moonshine' delivers joyful colour and texture in even the smallest spaces. A steadfast performer for sunny gardens, it’s the kind of plant that quietly transforms a border into a season-long highlight.