Overview
Achillea 'Moonshine' is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Achillea, part of the Asteraceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Achillea 'Moonshine' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit and attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include gravel garden, wildlife gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden and prairie planting.
About
Achillea 'Moonshine' is a herbaceous perennial that reaches up to 60 cm tall, featuring delicate, silvery grey-green leaves. Its upright, branching stems are adorned with flat clusters of small, vibrant yellow flowers that bloom from May to September, offering an extended display throughout the growing season.
About the genus
Achillea consists of perennial plants that can grow in a mat-forming or upright habit. These mostly herbaceous species feature leaves that may be aromatic, either pinnately divided or simple with serrated edges. The plants produce flattened clusters of small, daisy-like flower heads.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Achillea
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Achillea 'Moonshine' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Achillea 'Moonshine'
- Cultivation
- An open sunny position in a moist but well-drained soil is best, but it will tolerate most situations apart from heavy, wet clay in winter
- Pruning
- Cut back untidy foliage in spring
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in spring to maintain vigour
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Achillea 'Moonshine'?
An open sunny position in a moist but well-drained soil is best, but it will tolerate most situations apart from heavy, wet clay in winter.
Where is the best place to plant Achillea 'Moonshine'?
Achillea 'Moonshine' prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Achillea 'Moonshine' need?
Achillea 'Moonshine' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Achillea 'Moonshine'?
Cut back untidy foliage in spring.
How big does Achillea 'Moonshine' grow?
Achillea 'Moonshine' reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Achillea 'Moonshine' hardy in the UK?
Achillea 'Moonshine' has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Achillea 'Moonshine'?
Propagate by division in spring to maintain vigour.
Is Achillea 'Moonshine' good for pollinators?
Yes — Achillea 'Moonshine' attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.