Shady Garden 100% Wildflower Mix

If your garden suffers from shade this is the mix for you. Perhaps you’re trying to grow flowers along a fence line, or next to a hedgerow, or maybe in the shadow of a neighbour’s tree or even your own house? We’ve put together this mix of wildflowers which thrive in environments where direct access to sunlight is a little more intermittent...

How to Plant

Cheap and Easy Method:

For a quick and cost-effective approach, simply scatter the seeds directly onto bare soil. This method requires minimal preparation but has a lower success rate as it heavily relies on natural conditions being favourable. Clear the area of any debris and lightly rake the soil to create a loose surface. Evenly broadcast the seeds across the soil, then lightly rake again to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.

More Involved Method:

For better results, especially in areas with aggressive weeds or where the soil may be particularly challenging, consider using a terram membrane. This method involves laying a terram membrane over the planting area to suppress unwanted vegetation. Over this membrane, add a layer of soil that is suitable for shaded conditions. Sow the seeds evenly across the soil surface and gently press them in to ensure good contact. This method, while more expensive and labour-intensive, greatly enhances the likelihood of establishing a vibrant and sustainable meadow.

Why Choose a 100% Flower Mix:

A 100% wildflower mix differs significantly from an 80/20 wildflower grass mix. In a 100% flower mix, all the seeds are from wildflowers, resulting in a meadow densely packed with colourful and diverse flowering plants. This is ideal for creating a visually stunning display and providing a rich habitat for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. In contrast, an 80/20 mix includes 80% wildflowers and 20% grasses. This blend is beneficial for establishing a more balanced ecosystem, as the grasses provide structural support and habitat for various insects and wildlife, and help to stabilize the soil. However, for pure floral beauty and higher pollinator support, a 100% flower mix is preferred.

When to Plant

The optimal time to plant your Shady Garden 100% Wildflower Mix is in the spring (March to May) or early autumn (September to early October). These periods offer the best temperatures and adequate moisture levels for seed germination and root establishment.

Where to Plant

This mix is specifically designed to thrive in shaded areas, though access to some sunlight is still necessary. Choose a location that benefits from partial shade to dappled sunlight, such as under trees or along woodland edges. Ensure the soil is well-drained and fertile to support healthy plant growth.

Watering Schedule

During the initial establishment phase, maintain a consistent moisture level in the soil, keeping it moist but not waterlogged. Water the seeds gently to avoid washing them away. Once the plants are established, they typically require minimal watering, relying on natural rainfall. However, during prolonged dry spells, occasional watering may be necessary to maintain healthy growth.

Blooming Period

The wildflowers in your Shady Garden 100% Wildflower Mix will generally bloom from late spring through late summer, approximately from May to August. The exact timing can vary based on regional climate specifics and yearly weather variations.

Expected Plant Height

The plants in this mix will vary in height, generally ranging from 20 cm to 1 metre. This variation creates a textured, dynamic appearance that provides depth and interest, while also supporting a diverse range of wildlife and pollinators.

What you get

Wildflowers Included in the Mix

• Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria)
• Common St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
• Common Vetch (Vicia sativa)
• Cow Parsley ( Anthriscus sylvestris)
• Field Scabious (Knautia arvensis)
• Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata)
• Greater Knapweed (Centaurea scabiosa)
• Hedge Bedstraw (Galium mollugo)
• Lesser Knapweed (Centaurea nigra)
• Meadow Vetchling (Lathyrus pratensis)
• Musk Mallow (Malva moschata)
• Ox-Eye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare)
• Red Campion (Silene dioica)
• Tufted Vetch (Vicia cracca)
• White Campion ( Silene latifolia)
• Wild Carrot (Daucus carota)