Achillea 'Sassy Summer Lemon' is a bold upright yarrow cultivar prized for its bright lemon yellow blooms and tall sturdy stems. Its large flat flower clusters rise above aromatic silvery green foliage creating a sunny focal point in summer gardens.
Height & Spread: 30 - 36 in x 24 - 30 in
Bloom Time: Early summer to late summer
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained, average to poor soils
Watering Needs: Low; highly drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant due to strongly aromatic foliage
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from Achillea millefolium, a species native to North America and Eurasia. Not a true native but retains many pollinator benefits of its parent species.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Flat flower clusters provide landing pads for butterflies such as Painted Lady, Red Admiral, and Cabbage White.
Bees & Hoverflies
- Visited by bumblebees, small native bees, and hoverflies seeking nectar and pollen throughout the summer bloom period.
Beneficial Insects
- Supports ladybugs, parasitic wasps, and lacewings which feed on aphids and other garden pests contributing to integrated pest control.
Birds
- Seed heads may attract goldfinches and other seed eating songbirds if left standing into fall and winter.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 24 - 30 in apart to allow for full flower spread and airflow around clumps.
Landscape Placement
- Perfect for sunny borders, pollinator gardens, drought tolerant plantings, and massed in meadow inspired designs. Holds upright form even in exposed sites.
Companion Plants
- Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) - Offers wispy lavender blue blooms and aromatic foliage that complement the strong yellow of Achillea.
- Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) - Blends well in native and dry gardens, adding long blooming structure beside yarrow.
- Gaillardia aristata (Blanket Flower) - Offers bold red and orange blooms that echo summer heat and thrive in similar soils.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' - Fine foliage and bright yellow daisy flowers pair well with Achillea for continuous bloom and texture contrast.
- Salvia nemorosa 'May Night' - Provides deep violet flower spikes in early summer for contrast and shared pollinator support.