Moonshine Yarrow

The Achillea 'Moonshine' yarrow is beloved for its showy yellow flowers and low-maintenance nature. This compact plant thrives in USDA Zones 3 to 8, reaching a height of 1 to 2 feet and a spread of 0.75 to 1 foot. Its blooms appear in dense, flattened clusters from June to September, standing tall on sturdy, erect stems that are perfect for cut flower arrangements or drying for later use.

Yarrow tolerates drought, poor soil, and deer, making it an ideal choice for challenging garden locations. Its fragrant, fern-like foliage adds an extra layer of interest, providing texture and contrast to its vibrant flowers.

Yarrow’s adaptability and beauty make it a valuable addition to various garden settings. Here are some popular ways to incorporate it:

• Sunny Borders: Its bright blooms and upright growth habit make yarrow a perfect choice for borders, adding structure and color.
• Cottage Gardens: With its long bloom time and feathery foliage, yarrow fits seamlessly into cottage gardens, complementing other perennials.
• Wild Gardens & Meadows: Yarrow’s naturalistic appearance and ability to thrive in lean soils make it an excellent plant for wild gardens or meadow-style plantings.
• Mass Planting: Its compact size and vivid color make it a striking choice for mass plantings, where it can create a visual impact across large areas.
• Cut and Dried Flowers: The flowers are long-lasting when cut, and they dry well for use in arrangements, adding versatility to the garden.

To get the best from your yarrow, follow these planting and care tips:

• Planting Location: Yarrow thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil. It prefers lean, sandy soils and does best in dry to medium moisture conditions. Avoid planting in wet or heavy soils, as yarrow is susceptible to root rot in poorly drained areas.
• Soil Preparation: Yarrow adapts well to poor soils, but drainage is key. Sandy loams or gravelly soils are ideal. If necessary, amend heavier soils with organic material to improve drainage.
• Planting: Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for their spread. For quick coverage, plant closer together, especially in smaller garden spaces.
• Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish deep roots. Once established, yarrow is drought-tolerant and needs little supplemental watering.
• Mulching: Apply a 1-2 inch layer of mulch to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid over-mulching as yarrow prefers drier conditions.
• Pruning & Deadheading: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage lateral flowering and prolong the bloom season. After flowering, cut the plant back to its basal leaves to tidy the appearance and promote fresh foliage growth.
• Dividing: Divide yarrow every 3-4 years to maintain its vigor and prevent overcrowding. Replant the divided sections in well-drained soil.