Moonshine Yarrow
Moonshine Yarrow
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.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Achillea 'Moonshine' |
| Mature Size | 18–24 in tall and wide |
| 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 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.
You May Also Like
Pair Moonshine with Little Moonshine, purple salvia, catmint, and grasses for a silver-and-gold, pollinator-friendly border.
How Many Moonshine Yarrow Do I Need?
Moonshine reaches 18–24 inches wide, so space plants about 20 inches apart for a continuous sweep:
| Bed run | Plants needed (20 in. spacing) |
|---|---|
| 5 ft | 3 |
| 10 ft | 6 |
| 15 ft | 9 |
| 20 ft | 12 |
For borders, plant in groups of 3–5 about 18–20 inches apart so the flat gold heads form a bold pollinator landing strip.
Moonshine Yarrow Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: Silvery-gray ferny foliage emerges early, bright against bare soil.
- Summer: Large, flat canary-yellow flower clusters glow over the silver foliage for weeks, drawing bees and butterflies.
- Fall: A shear after the main flush brings a lighter rebloom; heads dry well for arrangements.
- Winter: Dies back to the ground; the lean, well-drained crown overwinters easily and returns each spring.
At a Glance
✔ Pollinator-Friendly ✔ Deer-Resistant ✔ Drought-Tolerant
Plant It With
- Little Moonshine Yarrow — the compact version for the front edge of the same scheme.
- Marvel Rose Salvia — rose-purple spikes that pop against the silver and gold.
- Sombrero Granada Gold Coneflower — a native daisy partner for the pollinator border.
- Little Bluestem — a native grass for prairie-style movement.
Is Moonshine Yarrow Right for Your Yard?
Moonshine thrives in full sun with lean, well-drained soil — it's exceptionally drought-tolerant and deer leave the aromatic foliage alone. It is not a fit for rich, wet, or shaded ground: overly fertile or soggy soil makes it flop and shortens its life.