I'm planning to set up a garden bed that's 2 meters long and 50 cm wide, with lettuce on one side and strawberries on the other. Around the bed, I have some spare soil and I'm thinking of planting a type of native wildflower. The area gets about 5 hours of sunlight and 1 hour of dappled sun. I'd prefer something low-growing so it doesn't block the light. Can anyone recommend a suitable wildflower? Also, what's the best way to grow them? Should I just use seeds? I'm hoping for something that will keep coming back, but I'm concerned about them self-seeding in places I don't want.
2 Answers
If you're looking for a good low-growing option, the Ox-eye daisy might be perfect for you! They're perennial and thrive even with limited light. I've grown them successfully with around 5 hours of sun too, but keep in mind they can fall over in strong winds. Just be sure to check if your spot gets enough light, as they don’t mind a little shade.
My Ox-eyed daisies do well with just morning sun—up until around 12:30. They've been flowering nicely for me!
Choosing the right wildflower can be tricky if you want to avoid taller plants. I recommend Yellow Rattle; the bees love it, and it’s not too tall. Just remember, it’s best to sow the seeds in autumn so they can benefit from the frost for germination. Another option is Clover, which can fill in well without overshadowing your veggies. But if you’re in a hurry, a wildflower seed mix could work for your soil area, though it's a bit late to plant this year for annuals!
That's really helpful! How much sun should I be aiming for? I'm kind of worried about my other daisies being in a shaded spot and not thriving.