Achillea 'Sassy Summer Sunset'

Achillea millefolium 'Sassy Summer Sunset': A Warm Glow in the Perennial Garden

Achillea millefolium 'Sassy Summer Sunset', another stunning cultivar from the 'Sassy Summer' series, paints the garden with the warm, vibrant tones of a summer sunset. This perennial Yarrow is distinguished by its captivating orange blooms that stand tall on sturdy, upright stems, offering a dazzling display from early to late summer. Perfectly suited for adding a radiant splash of color to perennial borders, cottage gardens, or as a striking element in a pollinator-friendly landscape, 'Sassy Summer Sunset' combines effortless growth with drought tolerance, embodying the ideal blend of visual appeal and garden performance.

Product Characteristics:

• Height: Reaches an impressive height of 60-70 cm, ideal for mid-border placement or as a backdrop for shorter perennials.
• Spread: It expands to a width of 40-50 cm, creating lush, compact clumps filled with vibrant blooms.
• Flower Colour: Boasts eye-catching orange flowers, forming dense, flat-topped clusters that evoke the beauty of a sunset.
• Flowering Period: Features a prolonged bloom time from early summer through to late summer, ensuring a continuous display of warmth and color.
• Sunlight Requirements: Thrives in full sun, where the bright, direct light amplifies the intensity of its flower color.
• Soil Requirements: Versatile across a range of soil types but prefers well-drained conditions, highlighting its drought tolerance once established.

Uses and Benefits: 'Sassy Summer Sunset' not only serves as a magnificent ornamental feature but also plays a crucial role in supporting pollinators, drawing bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden. Its resilience to dry conditions makes it an exemplary choice for xeriscaping or gardens in arid regions. The stunning blooms are also perfect for cut flower arrangements, bringing a piece of summer's warmth indoors.

Companion Plants: Complement 'Sassy Summer Sunset' with other sun-loving perennials to create a visually engaging and harmonious garden display. Pair it with the deep purples of Salvia or the bright whites of Shasta Daisy for a striking color contrast. Adding grasses such as Panicum virgatum can introduce texture and movement, while the addition of Sedum provides contrasting forms and extended interest into the fall, crafting a diverse and vibrant garden tableau.

Care Instructions: Achillea millefolium 'Sassy Summer Sunset' is renowned for its ease of care, requiring minimal maintenance to flourish. Regular watering during its first growing season will help establish a deep, extensive root system, after which it becomes notably drought-resistant. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage further flowering for extended garden enjoyment. An early spring application of compost or balanced fertilizer can support vigorous growth and abundant blooming.

History: Derived from Achillea millefolium, a species with a rich heritage in herbalism and horticulture, 'Sassy Summer Sunset' is part of the 'Sassy Summer' series, specifically bred for its vibrant colors, robust growth, and extended blooming period. This series represents a modern cultivation triumph, offering gardeners new opportunities to infuse their landscapes with color, life, and ecological benefits.

Final Thoughts: Achillea millefolium 'Sassy Summer Sunset' is a testament to the enduring charm and utility of Yarrow in the garden, offering a combination of stunning visual appeal, ecological support, and low maintenance. Its radiant orange blooms provide a continuous burst of color, reminiscent of the most breathtaking summer sunsets, making it a dazzling addition to any garden setting. Whether used in mass plantings, mixed borders, or as a vibrant addition to a pollinator garden, 'Sassy Summer Sunset' ensures that the warm glow of summer lingers in the garden all season long.