Growing wildflowers in shady spaces doesn’t have to be difficult – all you need is the right seed! We cultivated this Shaded Area wildflower mix, so that it contains only the wildflowers that are the very best at growing in little light and are similar to what you would find growing naturally beneath trees or in a woodland setting. With annuals, perennials and grass - this mix will help you to create the meadow you’ve longed for in the darker parts of your garden. Containing RHS Plants for Pollinators wildflowers, this mix will attact bees and other pollinators.
Mixture Breakdown
0.1%Hedge Woundwort
When does it bloom?
June - October
What colour is it?
Purple
Annual or Perennial?
Perennial
Latin Name
Stachys sylvatica
Description
These plants have dark green, hairy stems with tight whorls of purple flowers at the top.
3%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!
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%Hedge Bedstraw
When does it bloom?
June - September
What colour is it?
White
Annual or Perennial?
Perennial
Latin Name
Galium mollugo
Description
Hedge Bedstraw is also known as 'False Baby Breath' as it bears a similar resemblance to the actual wildflower, Baby Breath! As its more common name suggests, you can find Hedge Bedstraw in shaded areas with little to no light and in hedgerows.
0.8%Bluebell
When does it bloom?
April – May
What colour is it?
Violet
Annual or Perennial?
Annual
Latin Name
Hyacinthoides non-scripta
Description
How can you not love this woodland wildflower that can often be found growing underneath trees or dark moist spaces! Sadly, native UK bluebells are under threat from Spanish Bluebells, that are lot more ruthless in their rooting. Luckily, this mix contains UK native Bluebells!
0.5%Forget Me Not
When does it bloom?
April - June
What colour is it?
Blue
Annual or Perennial?
Annual
Latin Name
Myosotis scorpioides
Description
This plant has blue, cloud-like flowers with five petals that grow on the end of tall, hairy stems which can sometimes grow up to 2 feet in height.
1.5%Wood Avens
When does it bloom?
May – November
What colour is it?
Yellow
Annual or Perennial?
Perennial
Latin Name
Geum urbanum
Description
Wood Avens can be naturally found in dark and warm spaces and brightens them up with its yellow star-like petals
0.5%Dames Violet
When does it bloom?
May - August
What colour is it?
Purple
Annual or Perennial?
Perennial
Latin Name
Hesperis matronalis
Description
This short lived perennial has purple and white flowers with 4 petals. It is also an important source of food for different types of butterflies.
0.1%Wood Sage
When does it bloom?
July - September
What colour is it?
Green / Yellow
Annual or Perennial?
Perennial
Latin Name
Teucrium scorodonia
Description
Wood sage has rough, crinkled leaves, similar to the leaves of sage. When it blooms, it produces light yellow flowers that pollinators love.
0.2%Betony
When does it bloom?
June - October
What colour is it?
Purple
Annual or Perennial?
Perennial
Latin Name
Stachys officinalis
Description
Betony 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.
1.5%White Campion
When does it bloom?
May - October
What colour is it?
White
Annual or Perennial?
Perennial
Latin Name
Silene latifolia
Description
The white sibling of Red Campion, this wildflower still holds it on with its lengthy rayed petals. At night time it is said to produce a clover scent that is attractive to many bees and pollinators.
1.5%Garlic Mustard
When does it bloom?
April – June
What colour is it?
White
Annual or Perennial?
Perennial
Latin Name
Alliaria petiolate
Description
Garlic Mustard is a pretty white perennial that can be typically found in hedgerows and woodland where it thrives in dark and moist soils. If you're wondering how it got Garlic in its name, when its leaves are crushed they smell of it!
2.5%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.
1%Meadow Sweet
When does it bloom?
June - September
What colour is it?
White
Annual or Perennial?
Perennial
Latin Name
Filipendula ulmaria
Description
Meadow Sweet produces frothy clusters of sweet-smelling white flowers. It can be found and favours woodland shaded areas with damp soil
0.5%Ramsons
When does it bloom?
April - June
What colour is it?
White
Annual or Perennial?
Perennial
Latin Name
Allium ursinum
Description
This plant has long, broad, green leaves with one main vein. The small, white flowers on this plant grow in groups at the end of the stem. This plant has a pungent, garlic smell.
0.1%Perforated St. Johns Wort
When does it bloom?
June - September
What colour is it?
Yellow
Annual or Perennial?
Annual
Latin Name
Hypericum perforatum
Description
The flowers on this plant are bright yellow and star-shaped, with small small black dots scattered across them.
1%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 shaded areas.
0.8%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.
0.8%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.
0.6%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.
25%Tall 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 arundinacea
Description
Tall Fescue is a grass that performs in most soil types
25%Slender Creeping Red 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 rubra
Description
Slender Creeping Red Fescue is a grass that performs in most soil types
10%Strong Creeping Red 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 rubra
Description
Strong Creeping Red Fescue is a grass that performs in most soil types
15%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
5%Wood Meadow 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
Poa nemoralis
Description
Wood Meadow Grass 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
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, and this varies based on the conditions in which they are sown. Taking this into consideration, your wildflower meadow will evolve and adapt year after year and change in appearance as certain species may become more dominant than others.
Hi, we planted our seed in May this year and had a good show of flowers. I intend cutting back as per your advice to 7 cm but there are some patches where the seed didn't take. Should I re-seed these now or wait until next year?
Question by: Paul Tonkin on 6 Sept 2022, 14:35
Hi Paul. thank you for your question. You can always add more wildflowers to your meadow year on year. We would recommend doing this 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 6 Sept 2022, 14:49
Is this suitable to sow over spring bulbs that will flower February-March? Or will the growth of the wild flowers and grasses already be too tall at this time of year and make the bulbs difficult to see? Ideally I'd like the bulbs to flower and then the wildflowers to take over. Thank you
Question by: Ellie on 24 Aug 2021, 15:56
Hi Ellie, this is difficult to say as it depends on very much on the conditions, weather etc. If you decide to sow the wildflowers in Autumn then the wildflowers will bloom in early spring, you can expect to see the grasses when temperatures are 8-10 degrees or higher. The grasses will establish first and around 60-80 days after the first of your wildflowers will bloom.
Answer by: Roisin McCann on 25 Aug 2021, 12:23
I have a small front garden measuring 4m x 4m which I wish to turn to wildflowers. It faces North but gets good east sun in the morning, a little mid day and west sun in the evening (summer) on the furthest half. It has a crab apple tree in the middle. I would like shady area seeds in half and sunnier seeds for the other sunnier half. Is this possible? I have cleared the plot of weeds and grass and dug it over.
Question by: Barbara Gray on 17 Sept 2021, 09:32
Yes, it is possible to use two different types of wildflower seeds in your garden.
Answer by: Eva Greene on 20 Sept 2021, 07:18
Would your Shaded Areas Wildflowers be suitable for sowing on excavated ground of clay, silt and stone with no top soil added? If it is suitable could it be sown this year?I
Thanks
Question by: Paul Sheard on 21 Oct 2021, 16:42
Hi, we wouldn't normally recommend adding top soil when sowing wildflower seeds, as wildflowers much prefer low nutrient soils. If the area is affected by shade also then yes you could use the Shaded mix and we also have a Heavy Clay Soil mix. Prior to sowing we would recommend removing as much stones and debris as possible as this will effect the overall establishment of the meadow. We do have a few blogs in our Help and Advice section which might be of interest to you.
Answer by: Roisin McCann on 22 Oct 2021, 07:46
Hi there,
Id like to plant in a small area of my garden that gets very little sun but the soil is clay - which mix would you recommend i go for?
Thankyou!
Question by: Chris on 16 Dec 2021, 13:18
Hi Chris, thank you for your question, For any areas that have limited access to sunlight then we would always recommend the Shaded Areas Wildflowers.
Answer by: Roisin McCann on 17 Jan 2022, 09:09
Hi there, we would like to use these seeds for a "wildflower mount" that we are hoping to install in our school's woodland area to attract wildlife etc. The area we're hoping to install will be approx. 4m in diameter and 80cm high (tapered to the edges). Would these seeds be suitable and is there anything we need to keep in mind? And will the ground around the mount need digging up if we wanted the seeds to grow around the mount, too?
Many thanks,
Anna
FOBS (Friends of Belmont School) Chair
Question by: Anna on 19 Mar 2022, 20:26
Hi Anna,
Thank you for your question. Our Shaded Area Wildflowers should grow fine in this area, but if you would be able to send some photos to [email protected] so that we confirm this that would be great.
Many Thanks,
Roisin
Answer by: Anna Crockard on 21 Mar 2022, 15:35
hi there, i have a new build lawn laid, there is a shady, dampish area i'd like to make into wildflower meadow. Would i still get results if I sowed seeds in the existing long grass? I have tried to create a natural long grass meadow already to see what naturally occurs, and I would hate to have to dig up all the grass only to plan grass seeds again. Would you have a recommendation for existing grass and what I can sow?
Thank you
Question by: Louise on 16 May 2022, 11:22
Hi Louise, thank you for your question!
If you are planning to sow wildflower seed, I would first recommend that wherever you plan to sow it, you remove the existing grass/any weeds that are in the area.
You can sow wildflower seed into an existing grass lawn, but it has varying degrees of success, so it isn't something we recommend. The existing grass would choke out the wildflower seeds and would eventually take over.
Once you have cleared the bed of the existing grass/weeds, it is safe to sow your wildflower seed into this area.
Answer by: Helen McGale on 16 May 2022, 12:46
I have an oblong area of garden to turn into a wild flower section. It is 12m by 4m. One of the 12m sides, on the east side, is bounded by a low hedge (@ 60cms). The other sides are bounded by 2.5m walls with a row of tall trees behind the other, west long wall. At this time of year the site gets full sun until about 12 noon to 1.00pm. It then moves into shadow. It get less sun earlier and later in the year as the sun is lower.
Should I choose seen for shaded area or will "normal" seed cope with the light conditions. I plan to sow in September after fully clearing the site.
Thanks.
Question by: Philip Dawes on 14 Jun 2022, 11:57
Hi Phillip, thanks for your question. A wildflower meadow is a great addition to any garden! It is relatively low maintenance, and they will establish in poor soils where the nutrient content isn’t the best.
Our Shaded Area Wildflowers is specifically for shaded areas. It consists of annual and perennial wildflowers and grasses that will tolerate damp and shady areas that do not always receive sunlight.
Answer by: Helen McGale on 14 Jun 2022, 14:47
What is the percentage of grass to flower mix in this seed? Others I have seen are 80% grass to 20% flower for example.
Thanks.
Question by: Sophie on 7 Apr 2024, 15:36
Hi Sophie,
This shaded Area seed mixture comprises 80% meadow grass and 20% wildflower. This seed mix is ideal for growing in low light conditions and is similar to what you would find growing naturally beneath trees or in a woodland setting.
Answer by: Andrew Clarke (Admin) on 8 Apr 2024, 14:38
Hi
Will the shaded mix be suitable for a slightly sloping small top that we’ve created on our log store? We’re looking for something to support the insects and Bees.
Question by: Emma on 15 May 2023, 13:08
Hi Emma
Thank you for your question. Yes you could sow this mix and it is ideal if the area is partially shaded. However in order for the wildflowers to establish and continue to grow, you would need to ensure that the seed bed is deep enough and not too shallow.
Answer by: Roisin McCann (Admin) on 16 May 2023, 13:09
