Little Moonshine Yarrow
Canary-Yellow Clusters on a Compact Silver Mound
Little Moonshine Yarrow (Achillea 'Little Moonshine') is a dwarf version of the classic Moonshine, pairing bright canary-yellow flat flower clusters with attractive silvery-gray ferny foliage on a neat, compact mound. The sunny flowers bloom for weeks, drawing butterflies and bees, and the silver leaves look good even between flushes. Drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, its small size is perfect for the front of sunny borders and containers in Eden Prairie, Plymouth, and Eagan.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Achillea 'Little Moonshine' |
| Mature Size | 10–12 in tall and wide (compact) |
| Hardiness Zone | Zone 3–8 (fully hardy across Minnesota) |
| Light | Full sun |
| Bloom Time | Summer (long blooming) |
| Flower Color | Bright canary-yellow over silver foliage |
| Soil | Lean to average, well-drained; very drought tolerant |
Landscape Uses
Use Little Moonshine at the front of pollinator and sunny borders, in containers, rock gardens, and gravel plantings. Its silver foliage and yellow flowers pair beautifully with purple salvia, coneflowers, and grasses, and the flowers cut and dry well.
Best Time to Plant
Plant in spring or early fall in a sunny, well-drained spot.
How to Plant
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Set the crown level with the soil, backfill (avoid rich, heavy soil), water in, and mulch lightly. Good drainage keeps it sturdy.
Watering
First Year: Water deeply once a week to establish the roots.
After Year One: Little supplemental water needed; it's very drought tolerant.
Drip Irrigation: Use sparingly; yarrow thrives on the dry side.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is it different from Moonshine?
It's a compact, dwarf version with the same bright yellow flowers and silver foliage in a smaller package.
Is it good for pollinators?
Yes, the flat flower heads are a landing pad for butterflies, bees, and beneficial insects.
Is it hardy in Minnesota?
Yes, it's a Zone 3 perennial, fully hardy statewide.
Is it deer resistant?
Yes, the aromatic foliage makes yarrow reliably deer-resistant.
You May Also Like
Pair Little Moonshine with Moonshine, purple salvia, coneflowers, and grasses for a silver-and-gold, pollinator-friendly border.