Moonshine Yarrow Achillea 'Moonshine'
ABOUT
Achillea 'Moonshine' is a striking perennial plant known for its unique and vibrant appearance. This plant exhibits a dense, mat-forming growth habit with fern-like, silvery-gray foliage that adds a touch of soft texture to gardens. The leaves are finely divided, creating a delicate lacey effect that appeals to enthusiasts of subtle foliage plants. The most captivating feature of Achillea 'Moonshine' is its cheerful clusters of flowers. The blooms are bright lemon-yellow in color, forming flat-topped flower heads that rise above the foliage on sturdy stems. These flowers are small, daisy-like in shape, and densely packed together, creating a vivid and eye-catching display. The brightness of the flower cluster offers a stunning contrast against the silvery tones of the leaves, making it an excellent choice for adding a splash of color to a planting area. With its combination of attractive foliage and radiant blooms, Achillea 'Moonshine' is a popular choice for gardeners looking to incorporate plants with long-lasting and prominent flowering periods. Its growth habit creates a neat and tidy presence in the landscape, suitable for borders, rock gardens, or as a striking specimen amongst other flowering perennials. The vibrant yellow flowers also attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies and bees, adding to the dynamic environment of the garden. Overall, Achillea 'Moonshine' is a plant that exudes charm and can bring both visual interest and ecological benefits to any outdoor space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Moonshine Yarrow, Moonshine Sneezewort, Moonshine Achillea.
Common names
Achillea 'Moonshine'
ToxicityTo humans
Moonshine Yarrow is not considered toxic to humans. It does not typically cause any adverse effects if touched or ingested in small quantities. However, as with many plants, individual sensitivities can occur, so it is always best to avoid ingesting plant material that is not known to be safe for consumption.
To pets
Moonshine Yarrow is also not particularly toxic to pets. While it is generally considered safe, consumption in large quantities could potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort or irritation. It is advisable to prevent pets from consuming the plant to avoid any possible negative reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Gray-green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2 feet (60 centimeters)
Spread
2 feet (60 centimeters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is highly resistant to drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Attracts Pollinators: The plant's flowers are attractive to butterflies and bees, which promotes pollination in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once it is established, with limited need for watering, pruning, or fertilizing.
- Sun Lover: Thrives in full sun, making it ideal for sunny beds and borders where other plants might struggle.
- Deer Resistant: Rarely eaten by deer, which makes it a great choice for gardens in areas with high deer populations.
- Pest Resistance: Generally resistant to common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Long Blooming: Flowers for an extended period from early summer to early fall, providing lasting color in the landscape.
- Soil Adaptability: Adaptable to a range of soil conditions, although it prefers well-drained soils.
- Cut Flowers: The flowers can be cut and used in bouquets, where they can last for over a week.
- Landscape Versatility: Works well in a variety of garden settings, including borders, rock gardens, and herb gardens.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Moonshine yarrow may be used for its potential anti-inflammatory properties.
- Hemostatic: It has been traditionally used to help stop bleeding.
- Antiseptic: The plant may have mild antiseptic effects.
- Carminative: Moonshine yarrow might be used to relieve digestive issues such as gas.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The flowers of Achillea 'Moonshine' can be used as a natural yellow dye for fabrics and yarns, imparting a soft, sunlight hue to the materials.
- Achillea 'Moonshine' can be planted in vegetable gardens as a companion plant to repel harmful pests and attract beneficial insects that aid in pollination.
- Due to its low water needs and tolerance to drought, it can be used in xeriscaping to reduce irrigation requirements and maintain green spaces in arid environments.
- The flowers can be picked and dried to create long-lasting floral arrangements that retain their color and shape for an extended period.
- By planting it around patios and walkways, its fragrant foliage can release a pleasant aroma when brushed against or crushed underfoot.
- The plant's hardiness and resilience make it suitable for preventing soil erosion on slopes or in areas prone to degradation.
- In artistic crafts, the dried flower heads can be incorporated into homemade paper to add texture and visual interest.
- Achillea 'Moonshine' can serve as a natural lawn alternative, offering a low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly ground cover that requires less frequent mowing than traditional grasses.
- The silvery foliage can be used to create contrast and visual depth in moon gardens, which are designed for enjoyment in the evening hours.
- Lastly, its dense growth habit can be advantageous for creating informal, low hedging along property lines or garden sections.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiYarrow is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityYarrow is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Named after the Greek hero Achilles, who reportedly used Yarrow to treat his soldiers' wounds, 'Moonshine' Yarrow symbolizes healing and is sometimes considered a representation of medicinal properties.
- Protection: Historically, Yarrow has been used for protection and was believed to ward off negative energies and physical ailments, which extends to 'Moonshine' Yarrow.
- Courage: The association with Achilles also gives 'Moonshine' Yarrow connotations of courage and valor, as the hero was famed for his bravery in battle.
- Love: In some traditions, Yarrow is connected to love and is believed to attract affection, including 'Moonshine' Yarrow.
WaterMoonshine Yarrow prefers to be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. It's drought-tolerant and does best with occasional deep watering, rather than frequent shallow watering. Generally, this means watering thoroughly once every 1-2 weeks depending on climate and weather conditions. Ensure the soil drains well and allow it to dry out between watering to prevent root rot. An approximate guide would be to use about 1-2 gallons of water for an established plant each time you water, making sure to soak the soil around the root zone.
LightMoonshine Yarrow thrives in full sun conditions, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for planting is in an area that receives unfiltered sunlight throughout the day. However, it can tolerate a little bit of light shade, especially in the hottest parts of the day in warmer climates.
TemperatureMoonshine Yarrow is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, ideally growing between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around -30 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures well into the 90s, making it suitable for many climates. However, the plant performs best in temperate conditions without extreme heat or cold.
PruningPruning Moonshine Yarrow is done to maintain its shape, encourage new growth, and improve air circulation. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. Cut the plant back by about one-third to one-half in late fall or early spring to rejuvenate and encourage full, bushy growth. Pruning can be done annually or as needed to keep the plant healthy and aesthetically pleasing.
CleaningAs needed
SoilYarrow 'Moonshine' thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A mixture containing loam, sand, and compost is ideal for promoting good drainage and fertility. Avoid heavy, wet soils as they can lead to root rot.
RepottingYarrow 'Moonshine' does not require frequent repotting as it prefers to be somewhat rootbound. It may only need repotting every 2-3 years or when it has outgrown its current container.
Humidity & MistingYarrow 'Moonshine' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does well in the average atmospheric moisture found outdoors. It does not have specific humidity requirements and can thrive in both dry and humid conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Yarrow 'Moonshine' in a sunny spot with good air circulation indoors.
Outdoor
Full sun location and well-draining soil are key for Yarrow 'Moonshine' outdoors.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of 'Moonshine' Yarrow begins with seed germination in warm, well-drained soil, usually in late spring or early summer. Seedlings will establish a root system and form a basal rosette of finely dissected, silvery-gray foliage. As the plant matures, it develops sturdy stems that rise above the foliage, reaching a height of up to 2 feet. By mid to late summer, clusters of bright yellow flowers bloom at the tops of the stems, attracting pollinators. After flowering, seeds form and can be dispersed to propagate new plants, while the parent plant typically becomes dormant in winter. 'Moonshine' Yarrow is a perennial, and it will re-emerge from its rootstock to start the cycle anew in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Propogation: Achillea 'Moonshine', commonly known as Moonshine Yarrow, is best propagated through division, which is not only the most popular but also the most effective method for this particular plant. The optimal time for dividing Moonshine Yarrow is in the early spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the mature plant, making sure to keep a generous amount of soil around the roots. Using a sharp spade or knife, split the plant into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a portion of the root system and several shoots. Replant the divisions immediately at the same soil depth they were originally growing, spacing them about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate air circulation and room for growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them. This method of propagation not only helps to rejuvenate older clumps of Yarrow but also allows the gardener to increase their stock efficiently.
