Achillea is a genus of about 85 herbaceous perennial plants native to the Northern Hemisphere. There are several hybrids available.
In Greek mythology, Achilles, the hero of the Trojan Wars, used Achillea as a medicinal plant to stop bleeding and heal wounds.
A hybrid yarrow of fern-like, aromatic, silvery to gray-green foliage with deeply dissected, clump-forming, compact leaves, moonshine (A. clypeolata x A. 'Taygetea') appears as an upright, compact hybrid yarrow. During the summer, the bright lemon-yellow flowers appear in dense, flattened, compound corymbs (to 2-3" across) on stiff, erect stems between 2' in height. This plant is similar to a 'Coronation Gold,' except it is much smaller, and its flowers are lighter.
The best soil for growing this plant is lean, dry to medium moisture, well-drained, and in full sun. It does well in average garden soils and tolerates poor soils if drainage is good. You should avoid heavy clays and moist, rich, fertile soils. Plants are best suited in locations protected from strong winds. Deadhead spent flower heads to lateral buds to promote additional bloom. Cut plants back to basal leaves after flowering to tidy the planting and to encourage new foliage growth and possible other fall bloom. Divide clumps as needed (every 3-4 years) to reinvigorate plantings.
