Moonshine Yarrow (Achillea ‘Moonshine’) is a popular garden perennial known for its bright lemon-yellow flowers and silvery-gray foliage. It blooms throughout the summer and is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established. Companion planting enhances garden beauty and resilience by fostering mutual benefits among different plant species.
Understanding Moonshine Yarrow’s Growing Needs
Moonshine Yarrow thrives in full sun, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for strong stems and abundant blooms. Too much shade can result in leggy growth and fewer flowers. It prefers well-draining, lean, dry, or sandy soil, and struggles in heavy clay or overly rich, moist conditions, which can cause floppiness or root rot. Once established, it is drought-tolerant, requiring infrequent, deep watering. This hardy plant is suitable for USDA Zones 3-9, typically growing one to two feet tall and one to two and a half feet wide.
Benefits of Companion Planting with Moonshine Yarrow
Companion planting with Moonshine Yarrow enhances garden vibrancy and sustainability. Thoughtfully chosen companions provide complementary colors and textures, enriching the landscape. They also support the health of Moonshine Yarrow by attracting beneficial insects like pollinators (bees, butterflies) and predatory insects (ladybugs, hoverflies, parasitic wasps). These insects help manage pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
Ideal Companion Plants for Moonshine Yarrow
Selecting companion plants for Moonshine Yarrow involves choosing species that share similar growing preferences, offer aesthetic contrast, or attract beneficial insects. Plants thriving in full sun, well-draining soil, and dry conditions are ideal partners.
Plants with Similar Growing Needs
Lavender (Lavandula) provides striking purple contrast and prefers sunny, dry environments.
Sedum complements yarrow’s drought tolerance and sun requirements.
Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) attracts pollinators and thrives in sun-drenched, well-drained locations.
Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) offers airy texture and tall blue flowers, sharing yarrow’s love for dry, sunny conditions.
Ornamental grasses, like Blue Fescue, provide contrasting textures and forms while adapting to lean soil and full sun.
Daylilies are adaptable, offering a wide spectrum of colors and tolerating similar growing conditions.
Plants for Aesthetic Contrast
Salvia varieties, with upright blue or purple flower spikes, create visual juxtaposition against yarrow’s yellow blooms.
Catmint (Nepeta) contributes soft purple blooms and a delicate texture, harmonizing with yarrow’s foliage and drought tolerance.
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) offers cheerful golden-yellow blooms that complement yarrow and thrive in similar sun and soil.
Zinnias enhance garden vibrancy and share yarrow’s extended bloom period and sun preference.
Plants for Beneficial Insects
Chamomile attracts hoverflies, effective aphid predators, and shares yarrow’s growing requirements.
Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, and its aromatic foliage can deter pests.
Culinary herbs like Basil, Oregano, Thyme, Rosemary, and Sage attract beneficial insects and need full sun and good drainage. Basil attracts pollinators, while Rosemary and Sage deter aphids.
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) attracts monarch butterflies and other pollinators, thriving in sunny, well-drained conditions.
Designing a Garden with Moonshine Yarrow and Companions
Designing a garden with Moonshine Yarrow and its companions requires careful planning for a cohesive landscape.
Layout Considerations
Ensure proper spacing to allow air circulation and prevent overcrowding. Moonshine Yarrow spreads one to two and a half feet wide, so place companions accordingly.
Arrange plants by mature height, placing taller varieties at the back and shorter ones towards the front for visual depth. Moonshine Yarrow, growing one to two feet tall, can be a mid-ground or foreground plant.
Create drifts or groupings of plants for enhanced visual impact and a naturalistic appearance.
Consider bloom times to ensure continuous color and interest throughout the growing season.
Maintenance
Deadhead spent Moonshine Yarrow flowers to encourage continued blooming and maintain tidiness.
Divide established clumps every three to four years to rejuvenate plants and prevent overgrowth.
Ensure companion plants have similar water and nutrient needs, as Moonshine Yarrow dislikes overly rich soil or excessive moisture.