Flowering Meadow contains a simply stunning array of classic British cornfield annuals and longer-lasting perennial wildflowers. The grass species in this mix are meticulously matched to their wildflower counterparts to create a meadow as it would naturally occur in uncultivated land. The grass in this mix will grow first after sown, creating a nursery for the RHS Plant for Pollinators wildflowers to thrive in.
Mixture Breakdown
2.2%Cornflower
When does it bloom?
June - August
What colour is it?
Violet
Annual or Perennial?
Annual
Latin Name
Centaurea cyanus
Description
Cornflower was previously considered a weed in amongst its cornfield annuals companions but is now accepted and widely praised as one of its finest! We're not surprised - who could dismiss those electric blue blooms?
1.7%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.
0.9%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 sandy soils.
3.2%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!
4%Corn Chamomile
When does it bloom?
June - September
What colour is it?
White / Yellow
Annual or Perennial?
Annual
Latin Name
Anthemis arvensis
Description
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.
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!
0.6%Salad Burnet
When does it bloom?
May – September
What colour is it?
Pink / Green
Annual or Perennial?
Perennial
Latin Name
Sanguisorba minor
Description
A perennial wildflower with toothed leaves and pink flowers, its leaves when crushed smell like cucumber and used to be used in salads!
0.5%Birdsfoot Trefoil
When does it bloom?
May – September
What colour is it?
Yellow / Red
Annual or Perennial?
Perennial
Latin Name
Lotus corniculatus
Description
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'!
0.3%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.
0.2%Musk Mallow
When does it bloom?
July – August
What colour is it?
Pink / Lilac
Annual or Perennial?
Perennial
Latin Name
Malva moschata
Description
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!
0.1%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.
0.1%Agrimony
When does it bloom?
June - September
What colour is it?
Yellow
Annual or Perennial?
Perennial
Latin Name
Agrimonia eupatoria
Description
Agrimony is a spikey perennial wildflower with buttercup-like blooms which stems can grow up to 80cm!
1%Ribwort Plantain
When does it bloom?
January – December
What colour is it?
White / Brown
Annual or Perennial?
Perennial
Latin Name
Plantago lanceolata
Description
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.
2%Corn Marigold
When does it bloom?
June - October
What colour is it?
Yellow
Annual or Perennial?
Annual
Latin Name
Glebionis segetum
Description
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!
0.1%Common Soapwort
When does it bloom?
June to September
What colour is it?
Pink, white
Annual or Perennial?
Perennial
Latin Name
Saponaria officinalis
Description
This plant grows green, leafy stems that do not have any side branches. When it blooms, the flowers form in clusters of pink and white petals that produce a sweet scent.
0.1%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.
7.5%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
1%Tufted Hair 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
Deschampsia cespitosa
Description
Tufted Hair Grass is a grass that performs in most soil types
1%Browntop Bentgrass
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
Agrostis vinealis
Description
Browntop Bentgrass is a grass that performs in most soil types
6.5%Tall Oat 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
Arrhenatherum elatius
Description
Tall Oat Grass is a grass that performs in most soil types
35%Hard 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 trachyphylla
Description
Hard Fescue is a grass that performs in most soil types
24%Slender Creeping Red Fescue
When does it bloom?
This is a grass seed and typically germinates at temperatures of 8 -10 degree
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
5.0%Chewings 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?
Annual
Latin Name
Festuca rubra ssp. Commutata
Description
Chewing's Fescue 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.
