A guide to British wildflowers

The UK is home to various wildflowers, which are speckled throughout its countryside, meadows, and woodlands.

Not only do they provide a burst of colour, but they are also essential to biodiversity.

From supporting pollinators to improving soil health, these colourful blooms are more than just a pretty sight.

In this guide, we will explore the importance of wildflowers, the different types, and the role they play in our environment.

Why are wildflowers so important?

Planting these colourful blooms does more than brighten up your outdoor space, as they are essential to the UK’s ecosystem.

An ecosystem that is sadly in decline, with research showing that the UK has lost a staggering 97% of its wildflower meadows since the 1930s.

Here is why they matter:

• They provide food. Wildflowers provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other insects with a source of food throughout the year
• Can help with flooding. Established wildflower meadows have complex root systems. These help to improve soil structure, prevent nutrient loss, and increase water absorption
• Support soil health. They support the soil they grow in by preventing erosion and improving soil fertility
• Can help combat climate change. Wildflower meadows absorb and store CO₂  during photosynthesis, improving air quality
• Disease-fighting qualities. Some species, like Self Heal and Foxglove, have made significant contributions to modern medicine

What is the most common wildflower in the UK?

One of the most common varieties in the UK is the common daisy, which can usually be found in gardens, parks, and meadows.

The common daisy, also known as Bellis Perennis, is easily identified by its sun-yellow centre and white spoon-shaped leaves.

It is a resilient species that can grow in diverse conditions and can usually be spotted all year round.

Other common varieties found in the UK include Bluebells, Snowdrops, Cornflowers, and Snowdrops.

How many wildflowers are there in the UK?

There are over 1,600 types of wildflowers in the UK, including native and non-native species.

However, due to habitat destruction and climate change, many wildflowers are becoming endangered.

Some of the most notable species in decline are:

• Bluebells
• Ghost Orchid
• Meadow Clary
• Snake’s Head Fritillary

Types of wildflowers

Now that you are aware of the importance of wildflowers, which are the most common, and how many there are in the UK, it is time to look at some other species.

Wildflowers can be found within a diverse range of habitats, from woodlands and meadows to coastal cliffs and moorlands.

They can be categorised into two main types:

• Perennials – Will return year after year once planted
• Annuals – Will complete their life cycle in a single season and need to be replanted

Here are some of the most abundant wildflowers in the UK:

Bluebell

Bluebells are one of the UK’s most iconic wildflowers and can usually be found carpeting the floors of woodlands in a vibrant blue hue.

They are easily identifiable by their unmistakable deep violet, bell-shaped flowers.

In addition to woodlands, you can also find these stunning blooms in hedgerows and fields.

Many insects are attracted to the nectar found in bluebells, including bees, woodland butterflies, and hoverflies.

Although they are still common, the bluebell species is still under threat locally. This is due to habitat destruction and competition from non-native varieties.

They are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), which makes it illegal to uproot them from the wild.

Wood Anemone

Another species that signifies the beginning of spring is the delicate Wood Anemone.

These star-shaped flowers often carpet the floors of damp woodlands, as well as hedgerows and meadows.

More importantly, Wood Anemone is a strong indicator of ancient woodlands, i.e. woodlands that have existed since AD 1600.

So, if you spot one while exploring, it could mean that you are standing in a very rare and historic place!

Dog Rose

Dog Rose, also known as wild rose or witches’ briar, is a climbing wildflower, characterised by its delicate pink or white flowers.

It can often be found growing in hedgerows, woodland edges, and scrubland across the UK.

As a climbing flower, Dog Rose will use its curved prickles to weave its way in between other shrubs and use them to support its growth.

When its flowers fade, bright red rose hips develop in the autumn, providing a valuable food source for birds and squirrels.

Rosehips are also a great source of vitamin C and have been used in syrups to help people boost their levels.

Corn Poppy

The Corn Poppy, otherwise known as the Field Poppy, is one of the most iconic wildflowers in the UK.

It is traditionally a symbol of remembrance, representing the soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War.

Poppies are easily identified by their big saucer shape, vibrant red petals, and dark black centre.

Once a common sight in cornfields, poppies are now in decline due to agricultural practices and the use of herbicides.

They are now often found along roadside verges, meadows, and scrublands instead.

Their nectar-rich flowers provide an essential food source in the summer for bees and butterflies.

Cornflower

The Cornflower is a striking blue wildflower, often found along verges, farmlands, and scrublands.

Like Corn Poppies, Cornflowers were once a common sight in cornfields. However, intensive farming practices have since led to their decline.

Cornflowers belong to the daisy family and produce vibrant, nectar-rich flowers.

These flowers attract many insects, including bees, butterflies, moths, wasps, and beetles.

Cornflowers will start flowering in early summer and continue for about ten weeks until September.

Oxeye Daisy

The Oxeye Daisy is one of the most recognisable wildflowers in the UK. It is often found speckled throughout lawns, meadows, and roadside verges.

A resilient flower, the Oxeye Daisy can tolerate a variety of habitats but thrives best in well-drained soils.

They are extremely valuable to wildlife, as their yellow centre is made up of many tiny flowers that hold nectar.

Nectar is a valuable food source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

You can find Oxeye Daisy in our expertly blended Continual Colour Wildflower Seed Mix, which produces blooms that stand the test of time.

Primrose

Primroses are native and one of the first wildflowers to bloom in spring in the UK.

They boast delicate, pale yellow petals and darker yellow-orange centres.

You can usually find this common species in woodlands, at the base of hedgerows, and in grasslands.

Just like Wood Anemone, primrose is an ancient indicator plant, so it could mean you are standing in a special habitat.

They have long featured in British and Irish folklore and were historically used in herbal remedies.

Foxglove

If you are looking to add a burst of colour to your outdoor space, look no further than Foxglove.

Foxgloves are easily recognised by their tall tube-shaped flowers and vibrant purple-pink colour.

They are a favourite of bees who climb inside the flowers to collect the nectar.

They can grow up to 2 metres tall and are commonly found along woodland edges, roadside verges, gardens, and hedgerows.

It contains a chemical called digitalis, a compound used to treat heart failure and high blood pressure. However, foxglove is highly poisonous if consumed directly, so it is important to be careful, particularly if you have pets or children.

Black Medick

Despite its name, Black Medick is actually a small, bright yellow wildflower.

It is low-growing and usually found in grasslands, roadside verges, and disturbed ground.

Black Medick produces yellow clover-like flowers that attract bees and other pollinators.

In addition, Black Medick is known as being a nitrogen-fixing plant that helps improve soil quality.

It does this by working with the natural bacteria in its root system to take nitrogen from the air and add it to the soil.

Corncockle

Corncockle is a charming purple British wildflower with vibrant petals and tall stems.

They were once a common find in cornfields but have since declined and become a very rare find in the wild.

To support its conservation, you can find it in our specialised Bursting Blooms Wildflower blend.

Similar to Foxglove, Corncockle is toxic if ingested, so care should be taken when planting, handling, or being around children and pets.

Yarrow

Yarrow is a hardy wildflower often found in grasslands, lawns, verges, and meadows.

It has clusters of small white and occasionally pink flowers and is highly drought-tolerant.

Not only is Yarrow a valuable source of nectar for pollinators, but it also prevents erosion and adds organic matter to the soil when it decomposes.

It also has links to traditional medicine and has been used to support wound healing, menstrual cramps, and inflammation.

Ragged Robin

Ragged Robin is a pretty and distinctive flower, characterised by its delicate, deep pink colour and its fringed petals.

It thrives in damp soil and can usually be found in wet meadows, bog gardens, and along riverbanks.

Additionally, Ragged Robins are rich in nectar and provide a great source of food for pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Due to habitat loss and the drainage of wetlands for farming, these British wildflowers are now in decline.

Conserve this wildflower with our premium Meadow Mix, adding colour and helping wildlife thrive.

Lady’s Bedstraw

Lady’s Bedstraw is a charming, bright yellow wildflower that produces tiny star-shaped flowers and smells like honey.

It can often be found scenting the air of grasslands, meadows, coastal cliffs, heaths, and sand dunes.

Before modern mattresses, Lady’s Bedstraw was used as bedding due to its soft and springy quality, hence its name.

Additionally, this wildflower was formerly used as an alternative to rennet to coagulate milk in cheese.

Today, it provides a vital food source for pollinators and is commonly used in modern medicine.

Viper’s Bugloss

One of the more eye-catching British wildflowers is Viper’s Bugloss. It boasts spikes of electric blue, funnel-shaped flowers.

It is commonly found in grasslands, sand dunes, cliffs, and roadside verges, favouring sandy or chalky soils.

The plant’s name is thought to have come from its spotted stem, which resembles a snake’s markings.

Viper’s Bugloss is attractive to pollinators like butterflies, hoverflies, bees, and moths. It is a great addition for those looking to increase biodiversity in their garden.

It is a biennial wildflower, which means that it will produce flowers in its second year before setting seed and ending its life cycle.

Birdsfoot Trefoil

Birdsfoot Trefoil is a low-growing, yellow wildflower often found in lawns, roadside verges, heathlands, and downlands.

It is characterised by its bright yellow petals that are sometimes tinged with red, earning it the charming nickname ‘Eggs and Bacon.’

Like many wildflowers in the UK, Birdsfoot Trefoil is an essential food source for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and moths.

It is especially important for the common blue, silver-studded blue, and wood white butterflies, both of which are classed as Priority Species.

Meadow Buttercup

Another common British wildflower that you may be very familiar with is the Meadow Buttercup.

Easily identified by its bright and buttery yellow petals, the Meadow Buttercup can usually be found in meadows, gardens, and parks.

They will usually grow taller than the Creeping Buttercups you will find on your lawn, making it the perfect addition to a wildflower meadow.

Many species use Meadow Buttercups as a valuable food source throughout spring and summer, including bees, wasps, flies, beetles, and moths.

Self Heal

Self Heal is a low-growing, creeping plant that produces purple, tubular flowers.

It is commonly found in clusters in grasslands, woodlands, roadside verges, and even lawns that have not been treated with chemicals.

As its name suggests, Self Heal has long been valued for its medicinal properties and has been traditionally used to treat ailments like wounds and sore throats.

Self Heal does not only attract bees and butterflies with its nectar-rich flowers,  but its seeds also provide a valuable food source for birds.

Beyond its benefits to biodiversity, it helps stabilise soil, preventing erosion and improving soil quality.

What time of year is best to scatter wildflower seeds

Just like sowing grass seed, the best time of year to scatter wildflower seeds depends on the type you are planting and the conditions in your area.

We recommend sowing wildflowers in spring or autumn, as temperatures are warmer and provide the ideal conditions for successful germination.

Avoid sowing seeds in winter and summer, as these seasons bring harsh conditions that can delay or prevent germination.

Summer heat can cause your seedlings to dry out, while winter rain and frost can wash away seeds before they have established.

Ready to get started?

Wildflowers are a beautiful addition to any outdoor space, providing an abundance of colour while supporting biodiversity, pollinators, and contributing to a healthy ecosystem.

By understanding the importance of wildflowers and the various types, you can help contribute to conservation and turn your garden into a haven for wildlife.

Start your journey to a blooming lawn today and take our quiz to be paired with your perfect bundle.