Our A - Z Wildflowers Guide | The Grass People

Welcome to our A – Z list of wildflowers that we use in our wildflower seed mixes. Wildflowers offer a convenient and exciting way to bring a burst of colour and life to your garden or outdoor space. So, if you’re a nature enthusiast, gardening lover, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of wildflowers, you’ve come to the right place!

From vibrant meadows to enchanting cottage gardens, wildflower seed mixes have become increasingly popular due to their versatility and ecological benefits. Whether you're looking to attract pollinators like butterflies and bees, create a serene and picturesque landscape, or even restore a natural habitat, our wildflower guide will help you find the wildflowers out there for you!

Our wildflowers guide below features a list of all the wildflowers we use in our seed mixtures. Along with information on whether they are annual or perennial species, we have included when they typically bloom, their colour and a brief description outlining each wildflower.

You can click on the names of the wildflowers below, and you will be brought to the relevant information:

Betony

Stachys officinalis

Betony is related to the nettle family and produces bright magenta blooms. It is thought that when you see Betony, it indicates that ancient woodlands are near.

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? June - October

What colour is it? Purple

Birdsfoot Trefoil

Lotus corniculatus

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'!

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? May - September

What colour is it? Yellow / Red

Black Medick

Medicago lupulina

Despite 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.

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? April - July

What colour is it? Yellow

Bluebell

Hyacinthoides non-scripta

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

Bugle

Ajuga reptans

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

Catsear Wildflowers

Hypochaeris radicata

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

Centaurea nigra

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

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? June - September

What colour is it? Purple

Common Sorrel

Rumex acetosa

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

Common Vetch

Vicia sativa ssp. Segetalis

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

Corn Chamomile

Anthemis arvensis

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.

Annual or Perennial? Annual

When does it bloom? June - September

What colour is it? White / Yellow

Corn Marigold

Glebionis segetum

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

Corn Poppy

Papaver rhoeas

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

Corncockle

Agrostemma githago

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

Annual or Perennial? Annual

When does it bloom? May - September

What colour is it? Purple

Cornflower

Centaurea cyanus

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

Cow Parsley

Anthriscus sylvestris

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.

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? May - June

What colour is it? White

Cowslip Wildflowers

Primula veris

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

Creeping Buttercup

Ranunculus repens

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, so you'll find it in our sandy soils mix!

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? May - August

What colour is it? Yellow

Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale

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

Dark Mullein

Verbascum nigrum

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

Evening Primrose

Oenothera biennis

Evening 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 useful for some ailments, its particularly pretty just to look at!

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? June - September

What colour is it? Yellow

Field Scabious

Knautia arvensis

Field Scabious is a little lilac perennial wildflowers 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

Foxglove Wildflowers

Digitalis purpurea

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

Garlic Mustard

Alliaria petiolata

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

Gorse Wildflowers

Ulex

It is said that when Gorse is out of bloom, kissing is out of season! 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

Greater Knapweed

Centaurea scabiosa

Greater Knapweed is the larger relative of Common Knapweed, with distinctly larger flower heads. Just like its smaller sibling, Greater Knapweed is a vital source of food for bees and pollinators.

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? July - September

What colour is it? Purple

Greater Stitchwort

Stellaria holostea

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

Harebell

Campanula rotundifolia

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

Hedge Bedstraw

Galium mollugo

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

Hedge Parsley

Anthriscus sylvestris

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

Kidney Vetch Wildflowers

Anthyllis vulneraria

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

Lady's Bedstraw

Galium verum

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

Lords & Ladies

Arum maculatum

Lords & Ladies sprouts red-orange berries and is a perennial wildflower. 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

Meadow Buttercup

Ranunculus acris

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

Meadow Sweet

Filipendula ulmaria

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

Musk Mallow

Malva moschata

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!

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? July - August

What colour is it? Pink / Lilac

Oxeye Daisy

Leucanthemum vulgare

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

Ragged Robin

Lychnis flos-cuculi

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

Ramsons

Allium ursinum

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

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? April - June

What colour is it? White

Red Campion

Silene dioica

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

Red Clover

Trifolium pratense

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

Ribwort Plantain

Plantago lanceolata

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.

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? January - December

What colour is it? White / Brown

Rough Hawkbit

Leontodon hispidus

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

Salad Burnet

Sanguisorba minor

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

Self Heal Wildflowers

Prunella

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

Small Scabious

Scabiosa columbaria

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

Sneezewort

Achillea ptarmica

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 easily access and enjoy its nectar.

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? July - September

What colour is it? White

Sweet Cicely

Myrrhis odorata

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

Teasel Wildflower

Dipsacus fullonum

Teasel, when in flower, 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

Vipers Bugloss

Echium vulgare

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

Weld

Reseda luteola

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

White Campion

Silene latifolia

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.

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? May - October

What colour is it? White

White Clover

Trifolium repens

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

Wild Carrot

Daucus carota

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.

Annual or Perennial? Perennial

When does it bloom? June - September

What colour is it? White

Wild Mignonette

Reseda luteola

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

Wood Avens

Geum urbanum

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

Wood Sage

Teucrium scorodonia

Although it may resemble the herb sage, this wildflowers 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

Yarrow Wildflowers

Achillea millefolium

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

Yellow Flag

Iris pseudacorus

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

Yellow Rattle

Rhinanthus minor

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

If you have any questions about the wildflowers included in this guide, about our wildflower seed mixes or anything in relation to adding a pop of colour to your garden, please get in touch; we are always happy to help.

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Our A - Z Wildflowers Guide

Betony

Birdsfoot Trefoil

Black Medick

Bluebell

Bugle

Catsear Wildflowers

Common Knapweed

Common Sorrel

Common Vetch

Corn Chamomile

Corn Marigold

Corn Poppy

Corncockle

Cornflower

Cow Parsley

Cowslip Wildflowers

Creeping Buttercup

Dandelion

Dark Mullein

Evening Primrose

Field Scabious

Foxglove Wildflowers

Garlic Mustard

Gorse Wildflowers

Greater Knapweed

Greater Stitchwort

Harebell

Hedge Bedstraw

Hedge Parsley

Kidney Vetch Wildflowers

Lady's Bedstraw

Lords & Ladies

Meadow Buttercup

Meadow Sweet

Musk Mallow

Oxeye Daisy

Ragged Robin

Ramsons

Red Campion

Red Clover

Ribwort Plantain

Rough Hawkbit

Salad Burnet

Self Heal Wildflowers

Small Scabious

Sneezewort

Sweet Cicely

Teasel Wildflower

Vipers Bugloss

Weld

White Campion

White Clover

Wild Carrot

Wild Mignonette

Wood Avens

Wood Sage

Yarrow Wildflowers

Yellow Flag

Yellow Rattle

Wildflowers