Moonshine Yarrow Achillea 'Mondpagode'
ABOUT
Achillea 'Mondpagode', commonly known as Yarrow, showcases a distinctive appearance characterized by its vibrant and textured inflorescences. These blooms are commonly formed in flat-topped clusters that create a striking canopy of color above the foliage. The flowers themselves boast a charming array of colors from pale pastels to deep, rich hues depending on the variety, with some showcasing a lovely fading effect from the center towards the tips. Beneath these floral displays, the foliage of Yarrow plays a significant supporting role in the plant's ornamental appeal. The leaves are finely dissected, presenting a fern-like, soft texture that’s often a deep green, setting a verdant stage for the colorful blooms above. These leaves can sometimes have a slightly silvery or grayish tinge that further accentuates the plant's overall allure. The overall form of Yarrow is one that exudes a relaxed yet structured presence in the garden. Its growth habit can be described as upright, with stems that are sturdy enough to support the weight of the blooms while maintaining a sense of gracefulness. This plant can exhibit an almost feathery appearance, thanks to both the delicately cut foliage and the shape of the flower clusters. Achillea 'Mondpagode' brings not just visual pleasure but also a tactile experience; the leaves and flowers offer a range of textures from soft to slightly coarse, inviting gardeners and onlookers to not only view but also touch. Despite the absence of size specifics, it's evident that Yarrow is a plant that can make a substantial impression through its unique combination of color, texture, and form.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Moonshine Yarrow, Moon Pagoda Yarrow
Common names
Achillea 'Mondpagode'
ToxicityTo humans
Yarrow (Achillea 'Mondpagode') is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, it contains compounds that can be allergenic or irritating to some individuals. If ingested in large quantities, it may cause digestive discomfort, including diarrhea and vomiting. Handling the plant can also cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. It is recommended to use gloves when handling yarrow if you have sensitive skin.
To pets
Yarrow (Achillea 'Mondpagode') is also generally considered non-toxic to pets, but similar to humans, it can cause irritation. Ingesting yarrow can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets, which might include symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. If your pet has a known allergy or tends to be sensitive to plants, it is best to prevent access to yarrow to avoid potential reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2 feet [60 cm]
Spread
2 feet [60 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Achillea 'Mondpagode', commonly known as yarrow, attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, supporting ecosystem health.
- Drought Tolerant: Yarrow is highly resistant to drought, making it an excellent choice for water-efficient gardening.
- Low Maintenance: Yarrow requires minimal care once established, reducing the need for constant upkeep.
- Soil Erosion Control: Its extensive root system helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Long Blooming Season: Offers a lengthy display of flowers, providing color in the garden through multiple seasons.
- Deer Resistant: Natural resistance to deer browsing helps to protect the plant in areas with a deer population.
- Adaptable: Yarrow is adaptable to a wide range of soil types and garden conditions.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: The plant may have properties that help reduce inflammation.
- Antiseptic: Achillea 'Mondpagode' might be used for its antiseptic properties, helping to prevent infection.
- Cicatrizant: It might promote wound healing and reduce scar formation.
- Antispasmodic: The plant could possibly be used to alleviate muscle spasms and cramps.
- Carminative: It may help in reducing gas in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Astringent: The plant can be used for its astringent properties, which may help to tighten tissues and reduce bleeding.
- Diaphoretic: It could induce sweating and help to reduce fevers.
- Hemostatic: The plant might help to stop bleeding.
- Digestive aid: It may be used to aid in digestion and relieve digestive issues.
- Hepatoprotective: There could be properties that help protect the liver.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Achillea 'Moonshine', commonly known as Yarrow, can be used in eco-friendly pest control by planting it near vegetables to repel certain insects.
- It serves as a companion plant in the garden, attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies that feed on common pests.
- The plant's striking silver foliage can be used in floral arrangements to provide a contrasting backdrop for more colorful flowers.
- Yarrow can also be used in dyeing, with different parts of the plant yielding green, yellow, and brown hues on wool and fabric.
- In some rural cultures, dried yarrow stalks are used for the Chinese divination method of I Ching to tell fortunes.
- The dried flowers are commonly used in potpourri mixtures, imparting a lasting aroma and adding texture to the mix.
- Yarrow's fibrous stems have historically been used in the making of handcrafted paper, providing a unique texture and strength.
- In landscaping, it is utilized for erosion control due to its dense and spreading root system stabilizing soil.
- As a natural lawn alternative, some gardeners use yarrow for creating a low-maintenance, drought-resistant ground cover.
- During the Middle Ages, yarrow was incorporated into amulets and charms as a symbol of protection against negative forces.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Achillea, commonly known as yarrow, can be used in Feng Shui to enhance areas related to health and well-being, as it is believed to bring about a balance of energies and promote healing.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityYarrow is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Courage and War: Named after the Greek hero Achilles, Achillea is symbolic of bravery, owing to the legend of Achilles using this plant to treat his soldiers' wounds during the Trojan War.
- Healing: Historically used for its medicinal properties, the Yarrow symbolizes health and healing, reflecting its use in herbal medicine to staunch bleeding.
- Protection: Yarrow has been used in various cultures for protection against negative forces and to ward off evil spirits.
- Love and Attraction: In some traditions, Yarrow is thought to be an herb that can attract love or maintain a romantic relationship.
- Divination: Yarrow stalks are traditionally used in I Ching divination practices, representing the ability to reveal answers and foretell the future.
- Endurance: Yarrow's hardy nature and ability to withstand challenging conditions make it symbolize perseverance and endurance.
WaterYarrow (Achillea 'Moonshine') should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root development. Typically, this means watering to a depth of about an inch once a week during active growth if there is no significant rainfall. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, as yarrow prefers drier conditions and is quite drought-tolerant once established. During the hotter summer months, you may need to water more frequently, depending on your climate and soil type, but always check the soil moisture level first. It's important to avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases; instead, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the root zone.
LightYarrow thrives best in full sun, meaning it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The plant is adaptable and can tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be reduced in less than ideal light conditions. A southern or western exposure site in the garden would provide optimal lighting conditions for promoting vigorous growth and ample blooms.
TemperatureYarrow is hardy and can withstand a wide range of temperatures, making it suitable for many climates. It typically does well in temperatures between 65°F and 75°F but can survive minimum temperatures down to about -30°F and is heat-tolerant up to about 90°F. The plant is cold hardy and can thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9, indicating its ability to adapt to various temperature conditions.
PruningYarrow should be deadheaded regularly to encourage continued blooming and to maintain a neat appearance. After the first flush of flowers fades, cut back the flower stalks to just above a set of leaves. Pruning can be done more thoroughly at the end of the growing season, cutting the plant down to about 6 inches to promote healthy growth in the spring. The best time for major pruning is late fall or early spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilYarrow 'Moonshine' thrives in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The best soil mix is a combination of garden soil, compost, and coarse sand to ensure proper drainage. Avoid heavy clays and overly fertile soils to prevent overly lush growth that can weaken the plant.
RepottingMoonshine Yarrow is typically grown as a perennial in outdoor gardens and does not require regular repotting. In garden beds, it is rarely moved. However, if grown in containers, repot every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its current pot.
Humidity & MistingMoonshine Yarrow prefers a dry to average humidity level. It is quite drought tolerant and does not require high humidity, making it quite easy to care for in a variety of outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow in bright light, well-draining soil; water sparingly.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, water moderately.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Achillea 'Moonshine' starts its life as a seed, which after germination, grows into a small seedling. The seedling develops into a mature plant with feathery foliage and a robust root system. Throughout the growing season, it produces flat clusters of lemon-yellow flowers which bloom from early to late summer. After blooming, seeds form and are dispersed, allowing the cycle to begin anew. In fall, the foliage may die back, especially in colder climates, but the root system remains alive, entering a period of dormancy over the winter. With the return of spring warmth, new growth emerges from the crown of the plant, repeating the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Achillea 'Moonshine', a popular cultivar known for its silver-gray foliage and yellow flower clusters, is often propagated through division. The best time to propagate this perennial is in the spring or early fall, when the plant's growth is vigorous yet not at its peak. To propagate by division, you should dig up an established clump and carefully separate it into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. These sections can then be immediately replanted in well-drained soil, spaced about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish the root system. This method is advantageous because it not only helps to rejuvenate the older plants but also ensures that the new plants will be true to the parent in terms of their growth habits and flower color.
