Achillea 'Sassy Summer Sunset' (Yarrow)

'Sassy Summer Sunset' yarrow is a showstopper in the summer border, opening large, flat-topped flower clusters in deep orange that gradually fade to gold as the season progresses. Unlike older yarrow varieties where the stems would sprawl and flop under the weight of the blooms, 'Sassy Summer Sunset' holds its flowers upright on sturdy stems reaching 30 to 36 inches tall. It blooms from early summer well into fall, giving a long season of interest to both the garden and the cutting vase.

This cultivar earns high marks for real-world durability. It is heat tolerant, drought tolerant once established, and thrives in average to lean soils. Rich, overly amended soil can actually cause flopping, so resist the urge to overdo the compost. The ferny, finely textured foliage stays attractive between bloom flushes and is a magnet for bees and butterflies throughout the season.

Plant 'Sassy Summer Sunset' in a sunny mixed border alongside ornamental grasses and other drought-tolerant perennials. Deer avoid it reliably.