Quiz: Find Your Drought-Proof Wildflower Match?

Quiz: Find Your Drought-Proof Wildflower Match?

Did the summer heatwave leave your garden borders looking dry and brown? Many wildflowers are remarkeably tough survivors. Answer three quick questions to discover our choice of the toughest, most beautiful varieties to sow this September for an exposion of low-maintenance colour next year. 

Question A. What does your growing space look like right now?

  1. A dry baked border or patchy lawn that's in the sun all day? 
  2. Pots, window boxes or patio containers that dry out incredibly fast?
  3. I don't have a garden, just an empty patch I want to turn into a mini-meadow!

Question B. What would you like to achieve?

  1. I want a vibrant colour with minimal watering.
  2. I want to help bees and butterflies and other beneficial insects. 
  3. I want something to fill a forgotten corner that comes back year after year. 

 Question C.  Have you sown wildflowers before?

  1. I'm a total beginner, I've never sown wildflowers from seed before.
  2. I've tried before but weeds took over or the seeds didn't grow.
  3. I want something easy I can just sow and forget.

Mostly 1s, then "Beat the Heat" 

Best for gardeners with dry borders, poor soil and maximum sun exposure. These varieties prefer poor, sun-baked conditions and will thrive in drought.

Our recommendations to "Beat the Heat" :

californian poppies

Californian Poppies; thrive in sandy poor soils in full sun.

 

cornflower

Cornflowers; intense blue flowers for very little watering.

 

Nigella (Love in a Mist)

Nigella (Love in a Mist); easy from seed, looks beautiful, no mollycoddling


For those 2s, choose the "Pollinator Oasis"

Best for small spaces looking to help local wildlife. Compact, drought tolerant varieties that fit perfectly in containers and will provide nectar despite the heat.

Our recommendations for a "Pollinator Oasis" :

Pot marigold (calendula)

Pot Marigold (calendula); easy to grow hardy annual.

 

Wild Mignonette

Wild Mignonette ; incredibly tough, thrives in relentless sunshine


  • Self Heal; low, mat forming, will handle short dry spells

All 3s then select "Scatter and Bloom"

For busy or less experienced gardeners who are trying for an effortless, resilient garden transformation. We suggest a robust mix of native annuals and perennials that establish deep root systems during autumn and winter, enabling them to withstand hot summers.  

ox-eye daisies

Ox-eye Daisy; robust perennial

 

red campion

Red Campion; at home in the sun or partial shade

 

small scabious

Small Scabious; lovely lilac blue meadow plant, a good long-term performer

  • Ragged Robin; native perennial, if your forgotten corner is damp rather than dry

All or None? Then how about "Colour without the Fuss"

Colour without the Fuss

Best for beginners or those who want an easy splash of colour without becoming a slave to watering.

  • California Poppy
  • Cornflower
  • Calendula
  • Nigella (Love in a Mist )
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