Wildflowers

[Kate]

Hey--

I know I've been writing a lot of posts lately, but I'm so new and I have lots of questions! So, since I'm such a newbie, I thought I would start my gardening by planting wildflowers in our flowerbeds (since I have neither the skill, nor currently the time to maintain high maintenance plants). I already planted some flax which has flourished and some California poppies (which took a while to grow, but finally did). I just learned from the nursery I went to though that most wildflowers die every year and they have to be replanted. Flax is apparently an exception. Does anyone have any experience with wildflowers? I just love them so much and they are so tough! I am looking hopefully for some wildflower plants that don't die every year. I live in Southern California by the way, so I don't think all wildflowers would work. Thanks!

 

[JBtheExplorer]

I can't help too much since the weather here in wisconsin is so much different than california, but I would suggest Gaillardia. There is likely a type that is a perennial in your area, and if not seeds are very easy to collect and drop. It's got my favorite flower. Asclepias Tuberosa would be a great one too but I don't know how it does in your area.

If I were you, I would search for plants native to your area. There is bound to be a website somewhere. Then you can find out what sticks around, and because it's native, you'll get a lot more native insects and animals benefiting from it. Also just a heads up not to confuse the term "wildflower" with "Native". Many companies are using the term "wildflowers" to get people to think those plants grow around them in the wild.

 

[grouie]

Hey--

I know I've been writing a lot of posts lately, but I'm so new and I have lots of questions! So, since I'm such a newbie, I thought I would start my gardening by planting wildflowers in our flowerbeds (since I have neither the skill, nor currently the time to maintain high maintenance plants). I already planted some flax which has flourished and some California poppies (which took a while to grow, but finally did). I just learned from the nursery I went to though that most wildflowers die every year and they have to be replanted. Flax is apparently an exception. Does anyone have any experience with wildflowers? I just love them so much and they are so tough! I am looking hopefully for some wildflower plants that don't die every year. I live in Southern California by the way, so I don't think all wildflowers would work. Thanks!

I like to bring in the wild as I call it. I have written a post on that. Here is one more of my wild flowers. I do not replant them but once it starts raining they just come up again. I call it the tiger claw but its real name is Gloriosa lily

 

[IcyBC]

I live in Michigan, and like you I planted wild flowers in my little garden that I bought a packet from the Dollar Store. Some has come back for the last two years such as tickseed, mini bachelor button, wallflowers, and poppies.
Since I didn't spend too much money on this packet of mixed wild flowers, I am happy that some of them are doing well for the past two years.