Achillea Moonshine

The 'Moonshine' Achillea is a perennial resulting from hybridization between the achene clypeolata and A. taygetea. It is a vigorous perennial plant forming a clump of light, green-grey leaves, above which pretty heads of bright yellow flowers bloom in summer. It is particularly recommended for dry and rocky soils.

It is a perennial plant and very hardy with a bushy habit, forming a shrub 40cm (16in) tall 60cm (24in) in flower. Its foliage is deciduous or semi-evergreen, depending on the region, finely cut into strips. The leaves are pinnatilobate, feathery and green-grey with silvery reflections.

The remarkably long flowering period extends from June to September. The flowers are actually heads, with bright yellow florets, very sunny. These tiny heads, which appear at the tops of the stems, form numerous compact heads with a flat or slightly rounded top, 7 to 8 cm (3in) in diameter. They give rise to fruits called achenes. The stem is channelled and villous.

Exuberant yet undemanding, this inhabitant of cottage gardens adds a quaint charm to unpretentious flower beds. It integrates well in a rockery, at the top of a wall, as an edging or on a slope where it helps stabilize and protect against erosion. This plant can be used as ground cover over large areas. It then allows you to avoid the mowing required for a lawn by replacing it in lightly trafficked areas. It tolerates competition from tree roots, making it also a good ground cover on the edge of woodland. As it is easy to grow and withstands drought well, it is perfect for dressing the base of shrub roses or for bordering a sunny flower bed.