Flowering Meadow Wildflowers

  • Creates a delightful display of cornfield annuals and long-lasting perennials
  • Develops a year-round habitat for bees and pollinators
  • Contains sought-after UK native wildflowers
From £87.00 £72.50
 

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Product Description

Flowering Meadow contains a simply stunning array of classic British cornfield annuals and longer-lasting perennials. The grass species in this mix are meticulously matched to their wildflower counterparts to create a meadow as it would naturally occur in uncultivated land. The grass in this mix will grow first after sown, creating a nursery for the RHS Plant for Pollinators wildflowers to thrive in.

Mixture Breakdown

2% Cornflower
When does it bloom?

June - August

What colour is it?

Violet

Annual or Perennial?

Annual

Latin Name

Centaurea cyanus

Description

Cornflower was previously considered a weed in amongst its cornfield annuals companions but is now accepted and widely praised as one of its finest! We're not surprised - who could dismiss those electric blue blooms?

4.2% Corncockle
When does it bloom?

May – September

What colour is it?

Purple

Annual or Perennial?

Annual

Latin Name

Agrostemma githago

Description

Corncockle is a pretty purple wildflower with tall stems and full petals and is a bright addition to any annuals mix. It is currently rare and endangered.

0.4% Wild Carrot
When does it bloom?

June - September

What colour is it?

White

Annual or Perennial?

Perennial

Latin Name

Daucus carota

Description

Part of the carrot family, Wild Carrot smells like carrots but is not the kind of one you would want to eat. Its low nutrient and drought tolerant abilities make it ideal for sandy soils.

3.2% Corn Poppy
When does it bloom?

June - August

What colour is it?

Red / Black

Annual or Perennial?

Annual

Latin Name

Papaver rhoeas

Description

Corn Poppy is a vibrant and bright addition to any meadow and easily recognisable and identifiable throughout the UK. Of course it has meaning for many, and also adds a colourful pop to any wildflower plot!

1.5% Corn Chamomile
When does it bloom?

June - September

What colour is it?

White / Yellow

Annual or Perennial?

Annual

Latin Name

Anthemis arvensis

Description

Although Corn Chamomile looks like a daisy, it is part of the cornfield annuals family. With its flat and almost-level surface it makes the perfect pit-stop for bees and pollinators.

2% Red Campion
When does it bloom?

March - November

What colour is it?

Pink

Annual or Perennial?

Perennial

Latin Name

Silene dioica

Description

Red Campion has hot pink petals that make for quite the show stopper in your wildflower meadow, and can typically be found in woodland areas. Red Campion begins to flower once bluebells begin to fade, so if you notice this happening in your wildflower sward you can begin to look forward to their fuchsia blooms!

1% Salad Burnet
When does it bloom?

May – September

What colour is it?

Pink / Green

Annual or Perennial?

Perennial

Latin Name

Sanguisorba minor

Description

A perennial wildflower with toothed leaves and pink flowers, its leaves when crushed smell like cucumber and used to be used in salads!

1.0% Birdsfoot Trefoil
When does it bloom?

May – September

What colour is it?

Yellow / Red

Annual or Perennial?

Perennial

Latin Name

Lotus corniculatus

Description

Birdsfoot Trefoil is part of the pea family and grows up to 35cm. It is well known for its yellow slipper like petals and red centre, which has given it the nickname of 'Eggs and Bacon'!

0.4% Cow Parsley
When does it bloom?

May - June

What colour is it?

White

Annual or Perennial?

Perennial

Latin Name

Anthriscus sylvestris

Description

Cow Parsley is a shade tolerant wildflower that can be found naturally growing in woodland areas and its stem branches out into many clusters of tiny white flowers. It is sometimes referred to as 'Queen Anne's Lace' as it was said it would bloom for Queen Anne and her ladies in waiting and resembled the lace on their dresses.

0.2% Musk Mallow
When does it bloom?

July – August

What colour is it?

Pink / Lilac

Annual or Perennial?

Perennial

Latin Name

Malva moschata

Description

Musk Mallow is a light pink perennial that sits open and welcome for bees to land on. It’s easy to access pollen makes it the ideal flower for attracting bees alongside its sweet musky scent that invites them to pop in for more than just a pit stop!

0.1% Foxglove
When does it bloom?

June - September

What colour is it?

Pink / Purple

Annual or Perennial?

Perennial

Latin Name

Digitalis purpurea

Description

Foxgloves are biennial wildflowers that when sown will reward you with blooms for two whole years. Their bright pink / purple bells are attractive to bees and pollinators who tunnel in to feed on its nectar.

0.1% Agrimony
When does it bloom?

June - September

What colour is it?

Yellow

Annual or Perennial?

Perennial

Latin Name

Agrimonia eupatoria

Description

Agrimony is a spikey perennial wildflower with buttercup-like blooms which stems can grow up to 80cm!

2% Corn Marigold
When does it bloom?

June - October

What colour is it?

Yellow

Annual or Perennial?

Annual

Latin Name

Glebionis segetum

Description

Corn Marigold is a bright ray of sunshine on a gloomy day. Its orange-yellow petals burst into life in June and last all the way through until October. Part of the cornfield annuals family, although this annual may have one showing - it’s a showstopper!

1.4% Ribwort Plantain
When does it bloom?

January – December

What colour is it?

White / Brown

Annual or Perennial?

Perennial

Latin Name

Plantago lanceolata

Description

Ribwort Plantain although not the brightest wildflower, certainly adds a natural diversity to your wildflower meadow. Its tiny white buds provide food for bees and pollinators whilst its seeds are great for Goldfinches.

0.3% Common Soapwort
When does it bloom?

June to September

What colour is it?

Pink, white

Annual or Perennial?

Perennial

Latin Name

Saponaria officinalis

Description

This plant grows green, leafy stems that do not have any side branches. When it blooms, the flowers form in clusters of pink and white petals that produce a sweet scent.

0.2% Bladder Campion
When does it bloom?

May to September

What colour is it?

White

Annual or Perennial?

Perennial

Latin Name

Silene vulgaris

Description

This perennial plant gets its name from its bladder-like calyx with purple veins, just behind the flowers. The flowers have 5 2-lobed petals and are white in colour.

7.5% Crested Dogstail
When does it bloom?

This is a grass seed and typically germinates at temperatures of 8 -10 degrees

What colour is it?

Green / Beige

Annual or Perennial?

Perennial

Latin Name

Cynosurus cristatus

Description

Crested Dogstail is a grass that performs in most soil types

1% Tufted Hair Grass
When does it bloom?

This is a grass seed and typically germinates at temperatures of 8 -10 degrees

What colour is it?

Green / Beige

Annual or Perennial?

Perennial

Latin Name

Deschampsia cespitosa

Description

Tufted Hair Grass is a grass that performs in most soil types

1% Browntop Bentgrass
When does it bloom?

This is a grass seed and typically germinates at temperatures of 8 -10 degrees

What colour is it?

Green / Beige

Annual or Perennial?

Perennial

Latin Name

Agrostis vinealis

Description

Browntop Bentgrass is a grass that performs in most soil types

6.5% Tall Oat Grass
When does it bloom?

This is a grass seed and typically germinates at temperatures of 8 -10 degrees

What colour is it?

Green / Beige

Annual or Perennial?

Perennial

Latin Name

Arrhenatherum elatius

Description

Tall Oat Grass is a grass that performs in most soil types

35% Sheeps Fescue
When does it bloom?

This is a grass seed and typically germinates at temperatures of 8 -10 degrees

What colour is it?

Green / Beige

Annual or Perennial?

Perennial

Latin Name

Festuca ovina

Description

Sheeps Fescue is a grass that performs in most soil types

24% Slender Creeping Red Fescue
When does it bloom?

This is a grass seed and typically germinates at temperatures of 8 -10 degree

What colour is it?

Green / Beige

Annual or Perennial?

Perennial

Latin Name

Festuca rubra

Description

Slender Creeping Red Fescue is a grass that performs in most soil types

5.0% Chewings Fescue
When does it bloom?

This is a grass seed and typically germinates at temperatures of 8 -10 degrees

What colour is it?

Green / Beige

Annual or Perennial?

Annual

Latin Name

Festuca rubra ssp. Commutata

Description

Chewing's Fescue is a grass that performs in most soil types

Usage Guide

Remove any existing grass, plants or flora from the area where you plan to sow your wildflower seed. Failure to do this will produce poor results
Further remove the top 5-10cm to reduce soil fertility
Allow the area to cultivate for several weeks, and remove any weeds that may pop in the area during this time
Do not be tempted to add top soil, compost or fertiliser to the area - wildflowers prefer low nutrient conditions
After the cultivation period ensure to remove stones or any other debris and rake the area to create a fine, friable and level seedbed
Scatter the seed at a rate of 5g per m2
Rake the seed so that it is in amongst the soil
Water the just-sown wildflower seed well
If sowing in drought conditions, water as required to keep the area moist in the first 6 weeks after sowing

Read our full guide on how to manage your wildflower meadow here.

Sowing Rate 5g per m2
When For best results sow in March/April or in September

Aftercare

I’ve sown my wildflower seed in April / May (spring)

In August / September of the first year you have sown your wildflower seed, cut your wildflower sward to 7cm after flowering – you can do this by putting your mower on a high setting. In most cases remove clippings* (Note: a late spring sowing will result in late flowering). Do not be tempted fertilise or add top soil to this area – wildflowers prefer poor soil conditions, and this is how they should stay. Continue this same process, year after year. *If you have annual wildflowers in your mix and you do not wish them to return the following year, remove the clippings. If you want your wildflowers to return the following year - let them go to seed head, and manually assist their self-seeding by firming the seed heads into the soil. By doing this, your annuals will return the following year.

I’ve sown my wildflower seed in September / October (autumn)

In March / April of the first year of sowing your wildflower seed, make sure there is sufficient material to mow – your wildflowers / grasses should be at a height of 10cm. If your wildflowers are at this height, mow to 7cm no later than mid-April, as this will delay their blooming process. In August / September, after they have bloomed, cut your wildflower meadow again to 7cm, remove all clippings unless you want your annuals to return. If you want your wildflowers to return the following year - let them go to seed head, and manually assist their self-seeding by firming the seed heads into the soil. By doing this, your annuals will return the following year.

The above photo depicts the variety of species you should expect to see in your wildflower display. Please note that certain species within this mix and all our wildflower mixes may become more abundant than others, subject to the conditions that they are sown in. Taking this into consideration, your wildflower meadow will evolve and adapt year on year, changing in appearance as certain species may become more dominant than others.

Product Questions

Product Questions

I’ve just done my cut (July) of my wildflower grasses mix and am waiting for the seed to drop out for regrowth next year.

Is now a good time to overseed the area with a pollinator mix to give more colour next year? If not now, when should I do it and how should I prepare the ground?
Question by: Tom on 24 Jul 2022, 13:50
Hi Tom, thank you for your question. We would recommend adding wildflower seeds to your meadow in spring or autumn when your meadow has been mown. You should scarify the area to achieve bare soil to sow your new wildflower seed.
Answer by: Helen McGale on 25 Jul 2022, 15:31
Hi

Could you please tell me if this flower meadow would be harmful to horses if eaten, we have horses in a field next door to our garden.

Many Thanks
John
Question by: John on 28 Jun 2021, 13:39
Hi John

We would not recommend sowing wildflower seeds near grazing areas. Whilst most wildflowers are relatively safe, there are a few that can be harmful to animals when ingested.
Answer by: Roisin McCann on 28 Jun 2021, 13:52
Hi,

Is this mix suitable for pots rather than spreading on the ground as a meadow and if so what type of soil would you recommend and how often should they be watered / fed?

Thanks
Lynsey
Question by: Lynsey Pritchard on 8 Jul 2021, 10:52
Hi Lynsey

Whilst you can sow in planters, wildflowers much prefer poor soil conditions and a low fertile environment. Topsoil and compost can sometimes be too rich in nutrients. If you are going to sow then we suggest using soil from the garden. It will need watered daily for the first few weeks and in the absence of rain but it will not fertilised.
Answer by: Roisin McCann on 8 Jul 2021, 11:01
Can I put a raised bed on paving and create flowering meadow if so how high would you recommend the bed to be and what soil would I use to fill it
Question by: Jason on 10 Jul 2021, 10:49
Hi Jason, you can create a meadow, ideally the soil would need to be 25-30cm deep. For results we would recommend using a low fertile soil, maybe some soil from the existing garden. Wildflowers much prefer poorer soil conditions and anything too rich will affect the overall result.
Answer by: Roisin McCann on 14 Jul 2021, 11:29
I'm looking to purchase seed for sowing in September. If I buy now how should I store it as you mention that you store your seed in a chilled warehouse and that this chilling is necessary for good germination.
Question by: judy wilkinson on 26 Jul 2021, 13:40
Hi

If you keep the in a cool dry place until you are ready to sow then that will be fine. Somewhere like a garage or shed would be suitable.
Answer by: Roisin McCann on 26 Jul 2021, 13:46
Hello, we've just sown the seeds and are wondering if we need to avoid walking on the soil.

Thanks.
Question by: Sarah Miles on 18 Oct 2020, 07:58
Hi Sarah

Yes, we would recommend that you avoid walking on the area, at least for the first few weeks. Once the grass is established then you should be fine to use the lawn as normal.

Thanks Roisin
Answer by: Roisin McCann on 19 Oct 2020, 14:02
Hi,
Does this mix only contain hardy plants? I wanted to check there are no half-hardy annuals as wish to sow now (October),
Many thanks
Question by: Kath on 12 Oct 2022, 16:54
Hi Kath

Thanks very much for your enquiry. This is mix has a vast variety of wildflowers and contains corn poppy and corn chamomile which are pretty hard. Autumn is a great time sow any of our mixes. Now is an ideal time because the seeds need to undergo the process of stratification (a freeze) to kick start their germination. If you were to sow the seed now, nothing will happen until next spring, early in the season. If you decide to wait until next year and sow in the spring, then your meadow will flower in the summer. We do have a few blog posts on our website that go into more details.
Answer by: Roisin McCann on 14 Oct 2022, 08:58
Do you have a seed collection for shade semishade. Without grass. I want it for a walk way so I can have seeds each side. Thanks. Eamonn
Question by: Eamonn on 23 Oct 2020, 22:04
Hi Eamon, we do have a mix particularly for shaded areas. Shaded Areas Wildflowers consists of annual and perennial wildflowers and grasses that will tolerate damp and shaded areas.
Answer by: Roisin McCann on 26 Oct 2020, 09:15
We have a new 6 metre long planter 500mm wide x 300mm deep and would like to plant wild colourful flower seed now. How quick can we expect flowers, would like to flower as quickly as possible and have a nice coverage throughout the year. Flowering meadow really looks good but would appreciate your advice.
Kind Regards Sue & John
Question by: Susan Boutwood on 29 Oct 2020, 15:31
Hi Susan

Whilst autumn is an ideal time to sow a wildflower meadow nothing will bloom until the spring. If there were grasses in the mix you could expect to see these this year if the temperatures are right for germination. The Flowering Meadow is a wildflower only mix so it won't be the case, so I'm not sure if the wildflower is the right choice for what you want to achieve.
Answer by: Roisin McCann on 30 Oct 2020, 09:32
I sewed the seeds in late October, we've had seedlings up for a while. We've had a lot of leaves on they ground from Autumn and I'm wondering if the wildflower plants are established enough for me to gently rake the leaves up. I think the leaves might be impeding growth. I can send photos if possible.
Question by: Sarah on 20 Feb 2021, 10:41
Hi Sarah

It is probably best to remove the leaves, you should be okay to gently rake. If your wildflower mix has grasses in it, it is likely this is what has established so far and you can expect to see the annuals bloom in Spring.
Answer by: Roisin McCann on 22 Feb 2021, 08:22

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