Heavy Clay Soils Wildflowers
- Deep rooting wildflowers hold their own in heavy clay soils
- Perennials provide a year on year range of species variety and colour
- Makes problematic areas part of the garden again
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- 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
- A vibrant mix of pollinator-perfect flora
- Contains a balanced mix of annuals, perennials and grasses
- Wildflowers expertly picked for their bee attracting abilities
Our experts are at it again! We believe wildflowers should be available to everyone, that’s why we created this mix for those who suffer from heavy clay soils and want to introduce wildflowers to these particularly problematic areas. Our Heavy Clay Soils mix is a blend specifically made up of deep rooting wildflowers that will hold their own in heavy clay soils and can also withstand drought conditions when clay soils dry up in hot weather. The accompanying grasses in this mix help to stabilise the structure of the wildflowers by creating a nursery for the perennial flora to thrive in. This mix also provides a food source for bees and pollinators through its selection of RHS Plants for Pollinators wildflowers.
Mixture Breakdown
When does it bloom?
June - September
What colour is it?Yellow
Annual or Perennial?Perennial
Latin NameHypochaeris radicata
DescriptionCatsear is a dandelion-like perennial. The way to tell the difference between a dandelion and Catsear is that Catsear does not have the distinctive jagged leaves that a dandelion does!
When does it bloom?
May – September
What colour is it?White / Yellow
Annual or Perennial?Perennial
Latin NameLeucanthemum vulgare
DescriptionImagine the daisy chain these would make! Oxeye Daisy is the largest member of the daisy family and its almost flat surface makes the perfect landing pad for bees and pollinators.
When does it bloom?
April - July
What colour is it?Medicago lupulina
Annual or Perennial?Annual
Latin NameMedicago lupulina
DescriptionDespite its name, Black Medick is actually a yellow wildflower that resembles a clover. Just like a clover, it is exceptionally good at attracting bees and pollinators and due to its 'sprawling' ability, is particularly good at thriving in clay soils!
When does it bloom?
January – December
What colour is it?White / Brown
Annual or Perennial?Perennial
Latin NamePlantago lanceolata
DescriptionRibwort 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.
When does it bloom?
June – September
What colour is it?Yellow
Annual or Perennial?Perennial
Latin NameAnthyllis vulneraria
DescriptionKidney Vetch is a bright yellow budding wildflower that sometimes gets the name Woundwort. Although this isn't the nicest nickname, it was once used for treating ailments, and of course - wounds.
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 NameFestuca arundinacea
DescriptionTall Fescue is a grass that performs in most soil types
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 NameCynosurus cristatus
DescriptionCrested Dogstail is a grass that performs in most soil types
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 NamePhleum nodosum L
DescriptionSmall Leafed Timothy is a grass that performs in most soil types
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 NameFestuca ovina
DescriptionSheeps Fescue is a grass that performs in most soil types
When does it bloom?
June - July
What colour is it?Violet
Annual or Perennial?Annual
Latin NameBorago Officinalis
DescriptionThis violet annual is aptly nicknamed ‘Star-flower’ for its starburst appearance. It’s also known as the ‘bee bush’ and ‘bee bread’ for its unrivalled ability to attract bees.
When does it bloom?
June - September
What colour is it?White
Annual or Perennial?Perennial
Latin NameDaucus carota
DescriptionPart 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 difficult soils.
When does it bloom?
June – September
What colour is it?Yellow
Annual or Perennial?Perennial
Latin NameOenothera biennis
DescriptionEvening Primrose is a buttercup-like perennial that is well known for its medicinal benefits. The sole ingredient of Evening Primrose Oil, while it may be of use for some ailments, it’s particularly pretty just to look at!
When does it bloom?
May – September
What colour is it?Pink / Green
Annual or Perennial?Annual
Latin NameSanguisorba minor
DescriptionA perennial wildflower with toothed leaves and pink flowers, its leaves when crushed smell like cucumber and used to be used in salads!
When does it bloom?
May - June
What colour is it?White
Annual or Perennial?Perennial
Latin NameAnthriscus sylvestris
DescriptionCow 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.
When does it bloom?
June - September
What colour is it?Yellow
Annual or Perennial?Perennial
Latin NameAgrimonia eupatoria
DescriptionAgrimony is a spikey perennial wildflower with buttercup-like blooms which stems can grow up to 80cm!
When does it bloom?
June - October
What colour is it?Purple
Annual or Perennial?Perennial
Latin NameStachys officinalis
DescriptionBetony is related to the nettle family and produces bright magenta blooms. It is thought that when you see Betony, it is an indication that ancient woodlands are near.
When does it bloom?
June - September
What colour is it?White
Annual or Perennial?Perennial
Latin NameDaucus carota
DescriptionPart 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.
When does it bloom?
June - September
What colour is it?White
Annual or Perennial?Perennial
Latin NameFilipendula ulmaria
DescriptionMeadow Sweet produces frothy clusters of sweet-smelling white flowers. It can be found and favours woodland shaded areas with damp soil
When does it bloom?
May - September
What colour is it?Yellow
Annual or Perennial?Annual
Latin NameRhinanthus minor
DescriptionYellow Rattle can be used in existing meadows where meadow grasses have taken over. It helps to weaken these grasses to allow other wildflowers to flourish, and does this by locking its roots to those of the grasses, and therefore lessens their abundance.
When does it bloom?
June – August
What colour is it?Red / Black
Annual or Perennial?Annual
Latin NamePapaver rhoeas
DescriptionCorn 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
When does it bloom?
June - September
What colour is it?Green
Annual or Perennial?Perennial
Latin NameReseda luteola
DescriptionWeld sprouts teeny tiny cream buds and has a tendency to appear near foot paths. Although it may not have as much flora as other wildflowers, the spikes on its small flowers are an excellent source of pollen and nectar for butterflies and bees.
● 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
| Sowing Rate | 5g per m2 |
| When | For best results sow in September |
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 wish for your annual wildflowers to make a reappearance the following spring, follow the process above by letting the seed heads drop into the soil, and give them a helping hand by firming them into the soil.
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.
