The Classic Bright-Yellow Yarrow with Silver Foliage

Moonshine Yarrow (Achillea 'Moonshine') is a beloved garden standard, prized for its large, flat clusters of glowing canary-yellow flowers held over striking silvery-gray ferny foliage. The bright bloom heads light up the summer border for weeks, draw butterflies and bees, and dry beautifully for arrangements. Tough, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant, it's a dependable, sun-loving favorite for Minnetonka, Lakeville, and Blaine borders.

Landscape Uses

Use Moonshine in pollinator and sunny borders, prairie-style and gravel gardens, and mass plantings. Its silver foliage and yellow flowers contrast beautifully with purple salvia and catmint, coneflowers, and grasses; the flowers are superb fresh or dried.

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. Avoid overwatering and rich soil, which cause floppy growth.
Drip Irrigation: Use sparingly; yarrow thrives on the dry side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Moonshine so popular?
It's a long-proven classic with uniquely bright yellow flowers and handsome silver foliage all season.

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.

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Pair Moonshine with Little Moonshine, purple salvia, catmint, and grasses for a silver-and-gold, pollinator-friendly border.