Natives / Wildflowers

Blue is such a vivid colour in the crystal-clear light peculiar to early autumn. But it's rather a rarity so the airy wands of small blue buttons found on Succisa pratensis are a particular blessing from August to October. This little wildflower is a very versatile plant and worthy of greater appreciation.

Sweet Cicely is an attractive plant that is a striking component of herb gardens and hedgerows. Growing to around 90cm, umbels of tiny white flowers appear from spring to early summer. Formerly a widely cultivated culinary herb, the fern-like leaves are deeply divided and smell of aniseed when crushed.

Trollius europaeus is a beautiful native wild flower of Europe and Western Asia. Found in damp ground in shady areas, it is a most attractive plant with dark green, deeply cut leaves and bears flowers, best described as egg-yolk yellow in colour.

Gorse are usually associated with western Britain and Ireland. At its best in spring, it blooms with an explosion of yellow, the flowers have a distinctive strong coconut scent. Gorse bears some flowers year round, hence the old country phrase: “When gorse is out of blossom, kissing is out of fashion”.

Valeriana officinalis is a graceful wildflower that is native to Europe and Western Asia. The tall, branched flower stalks are held atop a low mound of foliage, the densely clustered flowers are sweetly scented and usually white with a hint of pink.

Verbascum nigrum is one of the most reliable and long-flowering verbascum, it is also one of the truly perennial species. This European native bloom profusely with masses of golden-yellow flowers. First thing in the morning, the flowers are alive with bees getting on with their day’s work. Take time to stand and admire them for a few minutes. They will pay you no heed, they’re far too busy.

Several Verbascum species are prized garden ornamentals, but the species best-known among wildflower enthusiasts and herbalists is the homely but useful common mullein, Verbascum thapsus. This fuzzy mullein is a gardener’s friend, an herbalist’s delight and an engineering marvel all on its own.

The legendary fragrant sweet violet: Viola odorata is often referred to as 'The King of Violets', with a beautiful fragrance and also several herbal uses. An excellent wild/woodland garden plant, it can be found near the edges of forests or in clearings.