Achillea 'Moonshine'

Achillea 'Moonshine': A Timeless Beacon of Garden Brightness

Glowing with soft silver foliage and vivid lemon-yellow blooms, Achillea 'Moonshine' is a beloved classic for sunny gardens. Its finely cut, aromatic leaves form a tidy clump that’s topped by flat-topped clusters of cheerful flowers from early summer through fall. Heat and drought tolerant, this yarrow combines elegance and endurance, offering reliable colour and soft texture to borders, pollinator plantings, and dry garden designs. Airy and upright, it brings long-lasting light to the garden with minimal effort.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 45–60 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm, forming a compact, bushy clump
• Flower Colour: Bright lemon-yellow
• Flowering Period: Early summer to early fall, strongest in early summer
• Foliage: Finely cut, silvery-grey foliage; aromatic and soft-textured
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil; tolerates sandy, rocky, or lean soils

Uses and Benefits: Achillea 'Moonshine' is ideal for brightening up borders, rock gardens, and drought-tolerant landscapes. Its nectar-rich blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, while the silver foliage creates a soft contrast among bolder textures. Excellent as a cut flower—fresh or dried—it also resists deer and thrives in hot, dry sites. With its compact form and repeat blooming habit, it’s a reliable performer for long-season interest.

Companion Plants: Pair 'Moonshine' with Echinacea purpurea for a vivid, pollinator-friendly contrast of yellow and purple blooms. Add Perovskia atriplicifolia for a misty layer of lavender-blue and late-season structure. Complete the look with Stachys 'Silver Carpet', whose velvety foliage mirrors the yarrow’s silver tones and adds cohesion to the sun-loving design.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Water occasionally during prolonged drought; avoid overwatering. Deadhead to encourage rebloom and prevent self-seeding. Cut back old growth in late fall or early spring. Divide every few years to maintain vigour and clump shape.

History: Introduced in the 1950s, 'Moonshine' is a hybrid between Achillea clypeolata and Achillea taygetea, selected for its compact form, striking silver foliage, and exceptional flowering. It has remained a top choice for decades thanks to its beauty, durability, and design versatility.

Final Thoughts: With its luminous flowers and silvery presence, Achillea 'Moonshine' is a cornerstone of the sunny garden—timeless, tough, and effortlessly charming from summer's start to fall's end.