Use & Care NotesCompanion Plants
Sassy Summer Sunset Yarrow: Orange-to-Gold Glow for Purple Beds
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Sassy Summer Sunset yarrow lives up to its name. New flower heads open a dark burnt orange, then pass through golden orange on their way to soft yellow, so at any moment the plant carries a patchwork of warm tones on tall, straight stems.
Against purple lavender, that warm range is about as vivid as a garden pairing gets.
Sassy Summer Sunset at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Achillea 'Sassy Summer Sunset' |
| Flowers | Dark orange maturing to gold and pale yellow |
| Foliage | Green, finely divided and fernlike |
| Size | 30 to 36 inches tall, 30 to 32 inches wide |
| Bloom | Starts mid-June, peaks early July, repeats when sheared |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 3 to 8 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Wildlife | Excellent for pollinators; deer and rabbit resistant |
Designing with orange and purple
Orange and violet are complementary colors, which is a polite way of saying each makes the other look brighter. A clump of Sunset behind a row of deep purple lavender gives a bed real punch in midsummer. If that feels loud, pair it with a paler lavender or a white one and let the yellow stages of the yarrow do the talking.
Its upright, dense mound is tighter than many older orange yarrows, and at up to three feet it belongs in the middle or back of a border. Lavender's spikes in front, flat warm plates behind: the shapes contrast as well as the colors.
Keeping it upright and blooming
- Lean soil: rich ground makes the stems floppy. Average or sandy soil, the same you would give lavender, is ideal.
- Water: regular in the first season, then only during long dry spells.
- Shearing: after the first wave fades, cut stems back by about half. New heads follow, and the clump stays neat.
- Airflow: powdery mildew, gray mold and rot are most likely in wet, crowded spots. Space it so air moves freely.
- Winter: reliably hardy in Michigan when it drains well. Cut old stems back to the low leaves in fall or spring; no mulch needed.
Cut, dried and in the garden
The flat heads are good for cutting and drying. Pick them at different stages for a bouquet that shows off the whole sunset range, from orange buds to yellow mature heads. Hung to dry with lavender, they make a bundle with a warm, late-summer feel. The Cut Flower Planner can help you plan a cutting row.
In the garden, bees and butterflies visit constantly, so it is a strong choice for a pollinator planting alongside lavender.
Format
Sassy Summer Sunset is offered as a full 72-cell plug tray, a good fit for growers, meadow plantings and anyone potting up their own stock. Tray orders can also start from the Wholesale Hub. See the product page for current availability.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my yarrow flowers different colors?
That is the point of this one. Each head opens orange and matures to yellow, so several shades show at once.
How tall does it get?
About 30 to 36 inches in lean soil. Rich soil can push it taller and floppier.
Is it a good choice for a dry, hot spot?
Yes. Once established it handles heat and dry spells well, as long as the soil drains.
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