Achillea 'Sassy Summer Sangria' is a tall striking yarrow variety with vibrant deep red flowers that mature to dusty rose atop upright stems. Its bold color and sturdy growth habit make it a standout in summer landscapes while its fine textured aromatic foliage adds a soft silvery green base.
Height & Spread: 30 - 36 in x 24 - 30 in
Bloom Time: Early summer to late summer
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained, sandy or rocky soils preferred
Watering Needs: Low; thrives in dry conditions once established
Deer Resistance: Deer avoid due to pungent scented foliage
Native Status
This selection is a cultivated hybrid related to Achillea millefolium, which is native to North America. Not native itself though it retains many beneficial ecological traits of the species.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Attracts Painted Lady, American Lady, and Sulphur butterflies with its bright color and accessible nectar sources.
Bees & Hoverflies
- Pollinated by native solitary bees, bumblebees, and hoverflies which are drawn to its dense flower clusters for summer foraging.
Beneficial Insects
- Hosts lacewing larvae and parasitic wasps that assist in controlling aphids and other insect pests in nearby plantings.
Birds
- Goldfinches and other small songbirds may feed on the dried seed heads if allowed to remain into autumn.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 24 - 30 in apart to allow for mature spread and support healthy airflow.
Landscape Placement
- Well suited to sunny perennial beds, waterwise plantings, and large drifts in pollinator or prairie gardens. Its deep hues also make it ideal for color themed borders and cut flower use.
Companion Plants
- Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) - Complements the warm color palette while contributing fragrance and drought tolerance.
- Agastache foeniculum (Anise Hyssop) - Adds vertical height and contrasting purple flower spikes with aromatic foliage.
- Rudbeckia hirta (Black Eyed Susan) - Bright yellow blooms create bold contrast with red Achillea and attract similar pollinators.
- Stachys byzantina (Lambs Ear) - Soft silvery leaves create visual balance and echo Achillea’s foliage tone in drier settings.
- Monarda didyma (Bee Balm) - Provides lush texture and hummingbird friendly blooms in rich jewel tones near Achillea.