General description
‘Saucy Seduction’ is a rhizomatous, spreading, upright yarrow cultivar that is noted for its bright rose-pink flowers, ferny aromatic foliage and compact size. Flowers appear in dense, flattened clusters (compound corymbs to 2-4” across) over a long summer bloom period on compact stems rising to 18-24” tall. Plants are midsized and upright, with very uniform blooming over a long season. This selection has clusters of rich rose-pink flowers, each with a tiny white eye. Deeply-dissected, fern-like, aromatic, medium green leaves have a somewhat spicy aroma which may persist when used in dried arrangements. 'Saucy Seduction' is a member of the Seduction Series of yarrows that have been developed in the Netherlands. Other Seduction Series cultivars include 'Strawberry Seduction' (red flowers) and 'Sunny Seduction' (pale yellow flowers).
Plant requirements
Best grown in lean, dry to medium moisture, well-drained sandy loams in full sun. Plants do well in average garden soils and tolerate poor soils as long as drainage is good. Avoid heavy clays and moist, rich, fertile soils. Plants also tolerate hot, humid summers and drought. Plants are best sited in locations protected from strong winds. Plant stems of the compact ‘Saucy Seduction’ do not tend to flop as much as is the case with many of the taller A. millefolium cultivars. Consider cutting back plant stems to lateral flower buds after initial flowering to tidy the planting and to encourage additional bloom. Plants may be cut back to basal foliage after bloom. Divide clumps as needed (every 2-3 years) to maintain vitality of the planting. Plants slowly spread by rhizomes and can naturalize into substantial colonies over time.
Maintenance
Stem rot, powdery mildew and rust are occasional disease problems. Strong summer rain storms with high winds can damage exposed plantings. If stems flop or become matted, they can be cut back. On the plus side, ‘Saucy Seduction’ has more compact stems and may be better able to deal with nasty summer weather than taller A. millefolium varieties.
Practical use
Group or mass in borders, cottage gardens, wild gardens, naturalized areas or meadows. Good fresh cut or dried flower.