Achillea ‘Sassy Summer Taffy’

Description

Achillea ‘Sassy Summer Taffy’ is a charming perennial known for its lovely pink flowerheads and finely cut grey-green leaves. This hardy plant brings vibrant colour to your garden throughout the summer and is well-suited for a variety of garden settings.

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PLANTING and AFTERCARE

Best Planting Time:

• Spring: The ideal time to plant Achillea ‘Sassy Summer Taffy’ is in spring when the soil begins to warm. This allows the plant to establish a strong root system and thrive throughout the growing season.
• Autumn: Achillea ‘Sassy Summer Taffy’ can also be planted in autumn. This helps the plant settle in before winter, leading to vigorous growth in the spring.

Site Selection:

• Sunlight: Achillea ‘Sassy Summer Taffy’ flourishes in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to produce its best blooms and vibrant colour.
• Soil: Choose well-drained soil. While it adapts to various soil types, including sandy and poor soils, ensuring good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.

Planting Instructions:

• Preparing the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball.
• Soil Preparation: Enhance soil quality by mixing in compost or organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
• Planting: Position the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill with the amended soil and gently press down to eliminate air pockets.
• Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil around the roots.

Watering:

• Growing Season: Once established, Achillea ‘Sassy Summer Taffy’ is drought-tolerant. During prolonged dry periods, occasional watering will help maintain plant health and blooming.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering as the plant goes dormant. Ensure the soil remains slightly moist but avoid waterlogging.

Feeding:

• Spring: Achillea ‘Sassy Summer Taffy’ generally requires minimal feeding. Apply a light dose of balanced fertiliser in early spring to support growth and flowering.
• Mid-Summer: A second light feeding after the first bloom cycle can help sustain flowering and overall plant health.

Pruning:

• After Flowering: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new flowers and keep the plant looking tidy.
• Late Autumn: Cut back the plant to ground level after the final bloom to prepare it for the winter months.

Mulching:

• Spring: Apply mulch the plant in spring to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weed growth.
• Winter: Use mulch or garden fleece in winter to protect the plant’s roots from frost and extreme cold.

Supporting the Plant:

• Staking: Although Achillea ‘Sassy Summer Taffy’ has strong stems, staking may be necessary in windy areas to prevent bending or flopping.

Winter Care:

• Protection: In regions with harsh winters, additional mulch or garden fleece can help shield from severe frost.

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Final Tips: Achillea ‘Sassy Summer Taffy’ is a resilient, low-maintenance perennial that adds a delightful splash of pink to your garden. Its ability to attract bees and butterflies makes it a great choice for a wildlife-friendly garden. With its vibrant blooms and easy care, Achillea ‘Sassy Summer Taffy’ will enhance your garden’s beauty and colour throughout the growing season.

 

RHS Details

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