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Do wildflowers come back every year?
If you are planning to grow your own wildflower meadow or are lucky enough to be enjoying one currently, you will understand the joy wildflowers can bring. From the vibrant blooms to the butterflies and bees attracted to them, wildflower meadows are a brilliant way to bring colour and life to any space, but do wildflowers come back every year?
The answer? It depends on the type of wildflower!
Wildflowers can be divided into two categories: annuals and perennials. The category a wildflower falls into is what determines whether it will return for a bloom the following year.
Annuals
Like their name suggests, annual wildflowers complete their life cycle in one year – they’re somewhat of a one-hit wonder! They’re quick to bloom and create a bold flower display which makes them a popular choice for wildflower meadows despite not blooming again the following year. However, annuals do drop seeds when they are reaching the end of bloom which go into the soil and can germinate – producing new growth the following year! Whilst the original plant doesn’t return, its offspring often do.
Perennials
Unlike annuals, perennial wildflowers do return for a bloom year-after-year without having to be replanted! This type of wildflower just needs a little maintenance, through seasonal trimming, to keep them growing back strong and healthy.
How to help wildflowers come back every year
Your wildflowers will be at the end of their bloom at the end of summer/start of autumn (if they were sown in spring) or when they have reached 10cm.
- At this stage, cut/mow your wildflower meadow down to about 7cm and leave the clippings on the ground.
- To help promote annuals returning next year, firm down the seedheads into the soil by foot.
- After a few days, remove the dead flower casings (you don’t want the soil becoming too fertile).
After following this process, all your hard work should pay off the following year as you see another brilliant bloom!
For more information on the wildflower trimming process, check out our blog: When and how often you should cut your wildflower meadow.
Maintaining your wildflower meadow
It’s important not to be tempted to add topsoil or fertiliser to the area where your wildflowers are as this will make the soil too fertile which wildflowers don’t like. If the wildflower area is looking a bit patchy, don’t be afraid to add more wildflower seed.
You will also want to make sure you have the right wildflowers to suit the area they are growing in to ensure a successful meadow; for example if the area is shaded or recently has become shaded from the likes of trees, then you will want to put down a wildflower mix that can thrive in these conditions, such as our Shaded Area Wildflowers.
Explore our helpful blog for more information on choosing the best wildflower mix to sow.
Looking for further reading? Take a look at our other useful wildflower guides below or check out our Wildflower FAQs!