Our A - Z Wildflowers Guide

The Bluebell is one of the most easily recognisable wildflowers, and it only shows its face for a short time each year! How can you not love this woodland wildflower that can often grow underneath trees or dark, moist spaces? Sadly, native UK bluebells are under threat from Spanish Bluebells, which are a lot more ruthless in their rooting. Luckily, you can find UK native Bluebell in our Shaded Area Wildflower Mix.

Annual or Perennial? Perennial 

When does it bloom? April - May

What colour is it? Violet

Included in: Shaded Areas

Bugle is sometimes called carpet weed for its creeping ability to 'carpet' a forest floor with its dark purple blooms. Whilst bees keep this wildflower on their radar, it's a firm favourite with butterflies.

Annual or Perennial? Perennial 

When does it bloom? April - July

What colour is it? Violet

Included in: Shaded Areas

Catsear is a dandelion-like perennial wildflower. The way to tell the difference between a dandelion and Catsear is that Catsear does not have the distinctive leaves that a dandelion does!

Annual or Perennial? Perennial 

When does it bloom? June - September

What colour is it? Yellow

Common knapweed can be mistaken for a thistle before it blooms, and once it does, it has magnificent starburst purple petals that resemble a fireworks display!

Annual or Perennial? Perennial 

When does it bloom? June - September

What colour is it? Purple

Included in: Meadow Magic, Bees & Pollinators, Flowering Meadow, Heavy Clay

Common Sorrel is a perennial plant that thrives in clay conditions. Although its leaves are green, they often turn red and pink, offering a pop of colour to your meadow.

Annual or Perennial? Perennial 

When does it bloom? May - August

What colour is it? White / Green

Included in: Heavy Clay

Common Vetch produces delicate purple flowers that make it a very desirable wildflower. It is considered a 'scrambling plant', which means it makes an extra special effort to climb to the sun and weave its way above many other wildflowers. 

Annual or Perennial? Perennial 

When does it bloom? May - September

What colour is it? Purple

Included in: Bees & Pollinators

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

Annual or Perennial? Annual

When does it bloom? June - September

What colour is it? White / Yellow

Included in: Annuals, Meadow Magic, Flowering Meadow

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!

Annual or Perennial? Annual

When does it bloom? June - October

What colour is it? Yellow

Included in: Meadow Magic, Bees & Pollinators, Flowering Meadow, Shaded Areas

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

Annual or Perennial? Annual

When does it bloom? June - August

What colour is it? Red / Black

Included in: Annuals, Meadow Magic, Bees & Pollinators, Flowering Meadow 

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

Annual or Perennial? Annual

When does it bloom? May - September

What colour is it? Purple

Included in: Annuals, Meadow Magic, Flowering Meadow, Shaded Areas

Cornflower was previously considered a weed amongst its cornfield annuals companions but is now accepted and widely praised as one of the finest around, and it is also one of our favourite wildflowers! Who can refuse those electric blue blooms? 

Annual or Perennial? Annual

When does it bloom? June - August 

What colour is it? Violet

Included in: Annuals, Meadow Magic, Bees & Pollinators, Flowering Meadow 

Cow Parsley is a shade-tolerant wildflower that naturally grows 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.  

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? May - June

What colour is it? White

Included in: Bees & Pollinators

Cowslip doesn't get its name from hap-hazard calamity cows, but instead from the places where it was often found to grow - where cows had recently gone to the bathroom! Its bright yellow buds add a pop of colour to any meadow.

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? April - May

What colour is it? Yellow 

Included in: Bees & Pollinators

With all those lovely yellow petals, what's so creepy about this pretty perennial? Well, if left to flourish, it can take over. But if sown in with a sward of other wildflower seeds, it'll keep to its own! Creeping buttercup is great at establishing in weak soils. 

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? May - August

What colour is it? Yellow

Although it may be most people's worst nightmare, dandelions are a great pollen source for bees and butterflies alike and shouldn't be overlooked. Providing a pop of colour to your meadow, dandelions are diverse and will grow in most soil conditions.

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? May - October 

What colour is it? Yellow

Included in: Bees & Pollinators

Dark Mullein is a very tall wildflower that is used to growing in dry places - so it is ideal for sandy soils.  We love its large yellow petals and purple centre.

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? June - September

What colour is it? Yellow / Purple

Included in: Sandy Soils

Evening Primrose is a buttercup-like perennial that is well known for its medicinal benefits. While Evening Primrose Oil's sole ingredient may be useful for some ailments, it's also particularly pretty to look at!

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? June - September

What colour is it? Yellow

Included in: Bees & Pollinators

Field Scabious is a little lilac perennial wildflower species with a flat surface - perfect for bees to land on! This surface is what gives Field Scabious its nickname of 'Lady's Pincushion' as its blooms spike out from its cushion centre. 

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? June - October

What colour is it? Purple 

Included in: Bees & Pollinators

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

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? June - September

What colour is it? Pink / Purple

Included in: Flowing Meadow, Shaded Areas, Meadow Magic, Bees & Pollinators

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!

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? April - June 

What colour is it? White

Included in: Shaded Areas, Bees & Pollinators

It is said that kissing is out of season when Gorse is out of bloom!  The saying comes from its ability to bloom all year - meaning kissing is always on the cards. With its vanilla and coconut-y scent and bright yellow flora, we're glad this is one of the perennial wildflowers that never goes out of bloom!

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? June - August

What colour is it? Yellow

Included in: Sandy Soils

Greater Knapweed is larger than Common Knapweed, with distinctly larger flower heads. Like its smaller sibling, Greater Knapweed is a vital food source for bees and pollinators.

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? July - September 

What colour is it? Purple

Included in: Bees & Pollinators

Greater Stitchwort has a funny nickname - Daddy's Shirt Buttons! This is because when it disperses its seeds, they pop open! This white wildflower has a star-like appearance with five petals that split into two, making it a very special wildflower to come across in woodland areas. 

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? April - June 

What colour is it? White

Included in: Shaded Areas 

With its periwinkle petals and delicate appearance, Harebell won't go a miss in amongst your wildflower meadow. An old wives tale says that if you dream of Harebell, you must have found true love! 

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? July - November  

What colour is it? Blue / Purple

Included in: Sandy Soils

Hedge Bedstraw is also known as 'False Baby Breath' as it resembles the wildflower. As its more common name suggests, you can find Hedge Bedstraw in shaded areas.

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? June - September   

What colour is it? White

Included in: Shaded Areas

Hedge Parsley buds have small umbels of pretty purple flowers and are not dissimilar to Cow's Parsley in appearance. This wildflower is fond of shaded conditions where it thrives.

Annual or Perennial? Annual 

When does it bloom? June - September   

What colour is it? White / Occasionally Purple

Included in: Shaded Areas

Kidney 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.

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? June - September   

What colour is it? Yellow / Orange

Included in: Heavy Clay, Sandy Soils, Bees & Pollinators

Lady's Bedstraw used to be used in bedding due to its soft and springy texture! This is definitely a wildflower you'll want in your meadow... when you walk past, it smells of honey.

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? June - September   

What colour is it? Yellow

Included in: Sandy Soils

Lords & Ladies sprout red-orange berries and are perennial wildflowers. This wildflower particularly loves the shade, so if you have a bald & blind spot in your garden - it'll fit right in!

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? April - May   

What colour is it? Green / Red

Included in: Shaded Areas

Meadow Buttercup is a bright yellow perennial with cupped golden yellow petals that give it its name. Meadow Buttercup grows taller than the buttercups you typically find on your lawn and makes a bright addition to your wildflower meadow.

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? April - October   

What colour is it? Yellow

Included in: Heavy Clay, Meadow Magic, Flowing Meadow

Meadow Sweet produces frothy clusters of sweet-smelling white wildflowers. It can be found and favours woodland-shaded areas with damp soil.

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? June - September   

What colour is it? White

Included in: Heavy Clay, Shaded Areas

Musk Mallow is a light pink perennial that sits open and welcomes bees to land. Its 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!

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? July - August   

What colour is it? Pink / Lilac

Included in: Bees & Pollinators

Imagine 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.

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? May - September   

What colour is it? White / Yellow

Included in: Flowering Meadow, Heavy Clay, Sandy Soils, Meadow Magic, Bees & Pollinators

Ragged Robin is a pretty-in-pink perennial with starburst petals; its bright colours and nutritious nectar make it a fan favourite of bees and butterflies alike. 

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? May - July  

What colour is it? Pink

Included in: Shaded Areas, Heavy Clay

Ramsons are also known as Wild Garlic! You'll know if you have this one in your garden immediately by the heady garlic scent it produces.

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? April - June  

What colour is it? White

Included in: Shaded Areas

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 fuschia blooms!

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? March - November 

What colour is it? Pink

Included in: Meadow Magic, Bees & Pollinators, Flowering Meadow, Shaded Areas

Red Clover is a popular perennial that, despite its name, is actually purple! Its dome-shaped flowers are relatively low-growing, which makes it the perfect fodder food for livestock, but it is also a fan favourite of weary bees who need feed a little closer to the ground. 

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? May - September

What colour is it? Purple / Pink

Included in: Bees & Pollinators

Although not the brightest wildflower, Ribwort Plantain 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.

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? January - December

What colour is it? White / Brown

Included in: Flowering Meadow, Heavy Clay, Meadow Magic

Rough Hawkbit is a dandelion-like wildflower that actually belongs to the daisy family! It is a big fan of well-drained soils, so it's the perfect addition to our Sandy Soils seed mix. 

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? May - October

What colour is it? Yellow

Included in: Sandy Soils

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

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? May - September

What colour is it? Pink / Green

Included in: Meadow Magic, Flowering Meadow

As its name suggests, Self Heal was typically used in herbal medicine to stop bleeding and heal wounds - we're not too sure we can vouch for that, but it does bud pretty purple flowers!

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? June - October 

What colour is it? Purple

Included in: Meadow Magic, Flowering Meadow, Heavy Clay

Although small in size, this pretty wildflower packs a purple punch in amongst any wildflower sward! Another pincushion flower, it is ideal for bees and pollinators to rest and revitalise on.

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? June - October 

What colour is it? Lilac

Included in: Bees & Pollinators

Sneezewort is an umbrella-like perennial that is related to Yarrow. Its pretty white petals face downwards, creating an umbrella and allowing bees and pollinators to access and enjoy its nectar easily. 

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? July - September

What colour is it? White

Included in: Heavy Clay

Sweet Cicely is an aromatic wildflower that, as you may have guessed, smells sweet. This alone makes it very attractive to bees and pollinators, but its tens of tiny white buds also help!

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? May - June

What colour is it? White

Included in: Shaded Areas

When in flower, Teasel is great at attracting bees as it becomes a dome of small purple petals with spikey leaves that are handy to land on and hold on to! Whilst this wildflower is great for bees, when it isn't in bloom, it's also great for birds, particularly Goldfinches, who feast on its seeds. 

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? July -  August

What colour is it? Purple

Included in: Bees & Pollinators

The electric blue blooms of Vipers Bugloss are irresistible to bees, and as its stamens stick out, they're extra easy to get to. Offering a pop of colour to your meadow, you can be sure that this wildflower is a tourist attraction for bees far and wide.

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? June - September

What colour is it? Violet 

Included in: Sandy Soils

Weld sprouts teeny tiny cream buds and tends to appear near footpaths. 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.

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? June - September

What colour is it? Green

Included in: Sandy Soils

The white sibling of Red Campion, this wildflower still holds it on with its lengthy, rayed petals. At night, it is said to produce a clover scent attractive to many bees and pollinators once the sun rises.

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? May - October

What colour is it? White

Included in: Meadow Magic, Bees & Pollinators, Shaded Areas, Heavy Clay, Sandy Soils

White Clover is a great food source for bees and pollinators who can enjoy its nectar from a slightly shorter height. Its dome flowers.

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? June - September

What colour is it? White

Included in: Bees & Pollinators

Part of the carrot family, wild carrots smell like carrots but are not the kind of ones you would want to eat. Its low nutrient and drought-tolerant abilities make it ideal for sandy soils.

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? June - September

What colour is it? White

Included in: Sandy Soils

Similar to the Weld plant, but much shorter and look like small toy rockets launching into the air.

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? June - September

What colour is it? Green

Included in: Sandy Soils

Wood Avens is a species of wildflowers that can be naturally found in dark and warm spaces, and it brightens them with their yellow star-like petals. 

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? May - November

What colour is it? Yellow

Included in: Shaded Areas

Although it may resemble the herb sage, this wildflower leaves aren't the best for cooking - but its white flowers, which are occasionally purple, are the best for admiring!

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? July - September 

What colour is it? White / Occasionally Purple

Included in: Shaded Areas

Yarrow produces clusters of white, small-petalled blooms. It is an aromatic perennial, making it particularly attractive to bees and pollinators who are enamoured by its sweet scent. 

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? June - November 

What colour is it? White / Occasionally Pink

Included in: Heavy Clay, Sandy Soils, Bees & Pollinators

Yellow Flag is the common name for Yellow Iris, a perennial wildflower that is a tripod of hooked yellow blooms. It enjoys damp conditions, so it can often be found on the forest floor.

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? June - August

What colour is it? Yellow 

Included in: Shaded Areas

Yellow 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, therefore lessening their abundance. 

Annual or Perennial? Annual

When does it bloom? May - September 

What colour is it? Yellow 

Included in: Sandy Soils