Shaded Areas Wildflowers

Creates a meadow of wildflowers that can grow in little light
Helps to provide a canopy habitat for pollinators and wildlife
Makes use of forgotten-about shady spaces

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How much do I need?

Simply enter the length and width of the area, to calculate how much you need.

Product Description

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.

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!

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% 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.

0.3% 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.

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.

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.

1.0% Hedge Parsley (Upright)

When does it bloom?

July - September

What colour is it?

White

Annual or Perennial?

Annual

Latin Name

Torilis japonica

Description

These plants are fast growing with thick hairy stems. Its white flowers grow in clusters just above the stem.

1.7% 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.

1.1% 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.

1% 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.

0.6% 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.

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.

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

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

Sowing Rate	5g per m2
Sowing Depth	20 - 40mm
When	For best results sow 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 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.

Product Questions

See all

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, 14:08

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, 14:09

Would it be too late if we planted these in late November?

Question by: Clare Montaudouin on 7 Nov 2022, 20:02

There are two times in the year that we recommend sowing a meadow, one is spring and the other is autumn, so if you wish to do it this year you are in good time. However, I would try to do it sooner rather than later, before the ground freezes. 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.

Answer by: Roisin McCann (Admin) on 8 Nov 2022, 13:29

I live in Scotland, where winters / spring are a bit more harsh. I was planning on planting a small wild flower garden in our East facing front garden in the spring. Is the shades verity the best and will planting in spring in Scotland produce good results?

Question by: Jim Muir on 22 Oct 2022, 12:46

Hi Jim, If your garden is covered by shade then it is best to go for the shaded areas wildflower mix. Sowing in spring is also fine. We have a blog post on our website which might be of interest to you.
It is called, When should I sow wildflowers? This goes into more detail about sowing wildflowers at different times.

Answer by: Colm Hicks on 24 Oct 2022, 15:01

I have just scarified the chosen lawn area for sowing. Would it be sufficient time to leave it to cultivate until the end of September and sow then or should I wait until Spring?

Question by: Shirley Joy Osborn on 8 Sept 2022, 15:00

Hi Shirley, thank you for your question. Autumn and spring are great times to sow wildflower seeds. Annuals will appear 60-80 days after sowing, perennials will have a small showing but will take up to one year to fully establish. If you sow in Autumn, you should expect a showing in early spring, and if sowing in spring, you should see blooms in summer.

Answer by: Helen McGale on 8 Sept 2022, 15:05

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, 15:35

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, 15:49

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, 12:57

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, 15:47

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, 12:22

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, 13:46

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 expert@thegrasspeople.com so that we confirm this that would be great.

Many Thanks,
Roisin

Answer by: Anna Crockard on 21 Mar 2022, 15:35

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

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, 17:42

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, 08:46