Description
The floodplain meadow wildflower mix is designed to suit areas which are subject to occasional waterlogging such as floodplains and inundation pastures. The mix mimics the MG4 (floodplain) and MG8 (flood pasture) National Vegetation Classification categories and is characterised by plants which can withstand intermittent waterlogging. This wildflower mix is most suited to soils with a neutral pH.
Neutral grasslands, such as in the MG National Vegetation Classification category, can support a rich diversity of insects and provide feeding areas for a wide range of birds and animals.
*Please Note: The contents of our wildflower mixtures will vary according to seed and species availability.
Product Summary
| Type of Mix | Main flowering period | Sowing Rate | Bag Weight | Bag Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20% wildflower & 80% grass | June - September | 5 g/m2 | 1 kg | 200 m2 |
Mixture
The Floodplain meadow wildflower mix contains 20% native wildflower seeds and 80% slow growing grasses.
Wildflowers
| Scientific Name | Common Name | 80/20 mix |
|---|---|---|
| Achillea millefolium | Yarrow | 0.6% |
| Centaurea nigra | Common knapweed | 1.2% |
| Filipendula ulmaria | Meadowsweet | 1.0% |
| Galium palustre | Marsh bedstraw | 0.2% |
| Hypericum tetrapterum | Square-stalked St John's wort | 0.6% |
| Hypochaeris radicata | Common cat's-ear | 0.6% |
| Lathyrus pratensis | Meadow vetchling | 0.6% |
| Leucanthemum vulgare | Oxeye daisy | 1.4% |
| Lotus corniculatus | Birdsfoot trefoil | 1.0% |
| Lotus pedunculatus | Greater birdsfoot trefoil | 0.8% |
| Plantago lanceolata | Ribwort plantain | 1.6% |
| Primula veris | Cowslip | 0.4% |
| Prunella vulgaris | Selfheal | 1.4% |
| Ranunculous acris | Meadow buttercup | 1.6% |
| Rhinanthus minor | Yellow rattle | 1.0% |
| Rumex acetosa | Common sorrel | 0.8% |
| Sanguisorba officinalis | Great burnet | 0.8% |
| Scorzoneroides autumnalis | Autumn hawkbit | 0.8% |
| Silaum silaus | Pepper saxifrage | 0.4% |
| Silene flos-cuculi | Ragged robin | 0.4% |
| Stachys officinalis | Betony | 0.6% |
| Succisa pratensis | Devil's-bit scabious | 0.6% |
| Trifolium pratense | Red clover | 1.2% |
| Vicia cracca | Tufted vetch | 0.4% |
Grasses
| Scientific Name | Common Name | 80/20 mix |
|---|---|---|
| Agrostis capillaris | Creeping bent | 2% |
| Alopecurus geniculatus | Marsh foxtail | 2% |
| Alopecurus pratensis | Meadow foxtail | 2% |
| Anthoxanthum odoratum | Sweet vernal grass | 3% |
| Cynosaurus cristatus | Crested dogstail | 28% |
| Deschampsia cespitosa | Tufted hair-grass | 2% |
| Festuca rubra | Red fescue | 36% |
| Holcus lanatus | Yorkshire fog | 4% |
Application Recommendations
Where to use
The Wetlands & pond edge wildflower mix is suited to poorly-drained soils which are subject to periodic waterlogging.
| Soil pH | Soil Types | Soil Fertility | Topography | Soil moisture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.5 - 7.5 | Any | Low nutrient | Upland Lowland |
Poorly drained |
When to use
In general, the best time for sowing perennial wildflower seeds is late summer/autumn (late August-October) when there is likely to be consistent moisture and warmth without extremes of cold or dry. Spring (late March-May) is usually considered the next best time to sow perennial wildflower seed, particularly if the ground is likely to be waterlogged over the winter.
| Application Window | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
How to use
| Prepare the ground | |
|---|---|
| New Seed Bed | Overseeding |
| Remove unwanted vegetation Cultivate the soil to a depth of 150 mm removing the stones and debris Level, then firm the seedbed Rake the surface to product a fine tilth |
Cut the grass short as possible and remove the clippings Remove excess thatch to allow the seed to reach the soil surface If compacted, aerate the soil |
| Provide water | |
| If there has been little rainfall irrigate gently and slowly to fully wet through the soil profile | |
| Sow seed | |
| Sow seeds evenly using the correct sowing rate for the seed mix Because sowing rates for wildflower seed are low, it is usually helpful to mix the seed with a carrier material such as slightly damp sand Press the seeds into the soil using a roller or the back of a rake to ensure good seed to soil contact |
|
| Provide water | |
| Keep the soil surface moist but not wet until the seeds have germinated AND established Irrigate slowly and gently to avoid disturbing the seeds |
|
Management & aftercare
Livestock grazing
Grazing with livestock is an effective method of managing wildflower meadows and grasslands because it creates uneven growth and distribution of species which leads to habitat niches. Grazing is also a good option in areas where it is difficult to utilise machinery, perhaps because it is too wet or because the ground is too rough.
| Suggested grazing regime | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Graze if ground conditions allow | Remove livestock to allow the plants to flower | Graze with between 0.4-1 LU/ha | |||||||||
Mowing
Mowing and removing the clippings can be used to replicate the process of hay cutting and grazing. It is important to remove clippings to avoid nutrients being returned to the soil. Soils for wildflowers are usually low in nutrients to encourage species diversity.
| Suggested mowing regime | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Leave uncut unless growth is vigorous | Cut and collect clippings | Allow to flower and seed | Cut and collect clippings | Leave uncut unless growth is vigorous | |||||||
For further information regarding the Floodplain Meadow Wildflower Mix or to discuss placing a bulk order, please contact our technical sales team on 01952 897917.
Find more information in our guide How To Create and Maintain Wildflower and Ornamental Flowering Meadows