A Perennial Wildflower Mix is designed to provide a vibrant and diverse display of flowers year after year, as perennials return each season. These mixes typically include a variety of species that offer different colors, shapes, and sizes, ensuring continuous blooms and supporting local pollinators.
While the mix varieties may vary, some of the most common varieties are Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Lance-Leaved Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata), Plains Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria), Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae), Partridge Pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata), Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), Wild Lupine (Lupinus perennis), Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis), Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum), Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense), Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana), and Wild Violet (Viola sororia).
This selection ensures a vibrant and long-lasting display, providing essential nectar sources for various pollinator species and enhancing the ecological value of gardens and landscapes. The wildflower bed will grow to a height of 36-40 inches under normal conditions.
- 1/4 ounce sows approximately 60 square feet.
- Seeding rate: 7-12 pounds per acre depending on density desired.
Perennial Wildflower Mix Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing
- Timing: Sow seeds in early spring after the danger of frost has passed, or in late fall for natural stratification over winter. This mix is designed to provide long-lasting blooms year after year.
- Location: Choose a sunny area with well-draining soil. This mix thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade depending on the specific species.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 2-4 inches and remove weeds. Incorporating compost will improve soil fertility and moisture retention, enhancing bloom quality.
- Seeding:
- Mix seeds with sand or a carrier for even distribution.
- Broadcast seeds evenly over the prepared area.
- Lightly rake or press seeds into the soil surface without burying, as many wildflower seeds require light to germinate.
- Watering: Water immediately after sowing to ensure good soil-seed contact. Keep the soil lightly moist during germination and establishment.
General Care Tips
- Sunlight: This mix thrives in full sun for the best growth and blooming, but some species can tolerate partial shade.
- Watering: Water consistently during the establishment phase. Once established, perennials in this mix are generally drought-tolerant but will benefit from occasional watering during extended dry spells.
- Weed Control: Remove weeds during the early growth phase to minimize competition and promote strong, healthy plants.
- Fertilizing: Perennials generally do not require fertilization, but adding compost can support healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing to maintain balance in the wildflower bed.
- Pruning: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continued flowering. Allow some flowers to go to seed for natural reseeding and to support wildlife.
Additional Information
- Seed Coverage: 1/4 ounce covers approximately 60 square feet. Adjust coverage based on your desired seeding density.
- Seeding Rate: Use 7-12 pounds per acre depending on the desired density.
- Blooming: Expect a vibrant and colorful display year after year, with plants growing to a height of 36-40 inches under normal conditions.
- Pollinator-Friendly: This mix provides essential nectar sources for various pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, enhancing the ecological value of your garden or landscape.
