Achillea 'Sassy Summer Lemon'

Achillea 'Sassy Summer Lemon': Big Colour with a Bold Personality

Achillea 'Sassy Summer Lemon' lights up the garden with tall stems topped by large, sunny yellow flower clusters that last all summer long. Part of the Sassy Summer series, this variety stands taller and blooms bigger than most yarrows, while still offering the same drought tolerance, deer resistance, and pollinator appeal. Its upright form and citrus-hued blooms bring energy and height to perennial borders, wildflower meadows, and cottage-style plantings. If you’re looking to brighten your landscape with long-lasting colour and strong vertical presence, 'Sassy Summer Lemon' delivers in style.

Product Characteristics:

• Height: Reaches a mature height of 75–90 cm, offering vertical structure and bold mid-border impact.
• Spread: Spreads approximately 60–75 cm, forming a well-branched, upright clump with strong stems that don’t flop.
• Flower Colour: Features large, flat clusters of bright lemon-yellow flowers that retain their colour well and age gracefully.
• Flowering Period: Blooms from early to late summer with potential for light rebloom if deadheaded.
• Foliage: Finely textured, aromatic green foliage forms a soft base and remains attractive all season.
• Sunlight Requirements: Thrives in full sun; at least six hours of direct sunlight is needed for best flowering and form.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil; performs well in sandy, gravelly, or average soils and is drought tolerant once established.

Uses and Benefits: Achillea 'Sassy Summer Lemon' is ideal for adding cheerful colour and upright structure to sunny borders and pollinator plantings. Its bright blooms attract butterflies and bees, and the tall, sturdy stems make it an excellent choice for cutting gardens as well. This variety brings drama to mass plantings and pairs beautifully with ornamental grasses and other sun-loving perennials. With its strong presence and minimal maintenance needs, it’s a standout performer from summer into fall.

Companion Plants: Pair 'Sassy Summer Lemon' with Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Standing Ovation’—the upright blue-green blades and reddish fall tones create stunning contrast and movement, perfectly complementing the vertical habit of the yarrow. Add Allium 'Millenium' for a midsummer punch of vibrant purple globe blooms that echo the round form of yarrow’s flower heads while attracting bees and butterflies in abundance. Round out the planting with Stachys monieri ‘Hummelo’—its dense clumps of glossy foliage and rosy-lilac flower spikes provide a striking colour counterpoint and long bloom window, enhancing texture and form throughout the season. Together, these selections offer bold contrast, staggered bloom times, and shared love of sunny, dry sites—ideal for a high-performance, pollinator-friendly planting.

Care Instructions: Once established, 'Sassy Summer Lemon' is extremely drought tolerant and thrives with minimal care. Water during extended dry periods, but avoid overwatering or planting in poorly drained soils. Deadhead regularly to extend bloom time and maintain a tidy appearance. In late fall or early spring, cut back old growth to encourage fresh new foliage. Divide every 2–3 years to keep the plant vigorous and well-shaped.

History: Achillea 'Sassy Summer Lemon' is part of the Sassy Summer series developed by Walters Gardens, bred for taller height, larger flowers, and strong stems that stand up to summer heat. Derived from Achillea millefolium, a hardy species native to Europe and North America, this series combines classic garden durability with modern breeding for colour, performance, and structure. 'Sassy Summer Lemon' is a standout for its bright, refreshing hue and excellent garden presence, bringing pollinator value and bold aesthetics to today’s landscapes.

Final Thoughts: Achillea 'Sassy Summer Lemon' is a vibrant and reliable summer bloomer that turns heads and supports pollinators while asking little in return. With its lemon-yellow flower heads, tall structure, and low-maintenance nature, it’s a sunny standout for borders, meadows, and mixed perennial plantings. Whether you’re designing a pollinator paradise or simply adding a splash of cheer to your garden, this sassy yarrow brings colour, character, and resilience all season long.