Achillea Moonshine (Yarrow) : How to Grow & Care
Achillea Moonshine is a perennial hybrid formed by mixing Achillea millefolium (wildflower yarrow) with Achillea aegyptiaca x taygetea (Egyptian yarrow). “Moonshine” takes its name from its gray-green, almost silver leaves, which originate from Egyptian yarrow.
This perennial flower blooms from late spring to late summer. It also grows well in full sun and well-drained soils. Its bright lemon-yellow flowers filled with tiny flowers attract butterflies, bees, and some birds and insects. It is also tolerant of animals like deer and rabbits. And it needs minimum care.
How to Grow Achillea Moonshine
This durable flower can be planted in hot, dry, and sunny locations. It provides yellowish canary color during summer. This eye-catching flower also combines well with some other colorful flowers like lavender. Moreover, you don’t have to water it moderately. A little care is enough. It would be enough for Achillea Moonshine to receive an average amount of rain/water to grow.
Achillea Moonshine is a well-behaved variety, so it won’t reseed and spread while growing. Mature yarrow may reach 18″ tall and spread 24″ wide. It has a long-blooming time which is more than 3-4 weeks. Most yarrows are also tall and upright growers except Achillea ageratifolia and Achillea millifolium because they are known as groundcovers.
Achillea Moonshine is low maintenance, meaning minimum care. When it is planted, it requires little attention. One inch of water will be enough per week. It is resistant to drought, but you should water it until it feels at home. Achillea Moonshine also grows well without fertilizer. However, if you feed it with fertilizer, it may become invasive. Achillea Moonshine looks best in beds, borders, and mass plantings.
As it has a habit of upright growth, it can be spaced 18 to 24 inches apart to form a full and lush planting. It will be appropriate to spot it near the middle or back of a bed not to overshadow smaller plants.
How to Care for Achillea Moonshine
This sun-loving yarrow prefers well-drained soils; besides, it also tolerates partial shade. If it is waterlogged, that can lead to powdery mildew and rust. For caring, it doesn’t need to be pruned every time, but it will be necessary to remove spent blossoms in spring or fall, to maintain continuous flowering. Deadheading is also essential to reduce plant height and avoid flopping and self-sowing. It is ideal for dividing Achillea Moonshine yarrow every 2-3 years.
As soon as the faded blossoms are removed, Achillea Moonrise yarrow will use its energy to form more buds. If you want to encourage new growth for the new season, you can cut any dead foliage in autumn.
Unfortunately, Achillea Moonrise may have problems like stem rot and powdery mildew. These problems can damage the flowers that are in shade areas. However, it is ideal for thinning out overcrowded and messy plants and reducing diseases such as aphids, spittlebugs, and mealybugs.
As a result, you can enjoy your garden with Achillea Moonrise, a robust and colorful perennial decorating your landscape with the sun’s brightness.
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