In this article, our Landscape Manager Owen takes us through the range and diversity of flower species in Pictorial Meadows’ perennial seed mixes and turf.
Developed and refined over the past 20 years, Pictorial Meadows’ perennial seed mixes and turf each contain between 25 and 30 different flowering species. They are a mix of floriferous native and long-flowering global wildflower species.
From dry rooftops and brownfield rubble, to woodland edges and damp rain gardens, Pictorial Meadows’ perennial seed mixes and turf are specially designed to bring buzzing beauty to a wide range of settings.
Some of the plants found in Pictorial Meadows’ perennial seed mixes and turf that are suited to normal, heavier and variable fertility soils which may see moderate seasonal waterlogging include:
Maltese-cross / Scarlet lychnis
Lychnis chalcedonica is a charismatic species found in the Turkish Delight seed mix and Treasure Chest turf. This vibrant scarlet-orange perennial originates from the fertile grassy meadows and river valleys of Russia. It is said to have been brought to Britain by the Knights of Malta.
Peach-leaved bellflower
Campanula persicifolia is a long-flowering species with lilac-blue bells. This is a classic cottage garden plant adapted to environments that are semi-shaded or exposed to the full sun. It is a sturdy stalwart of the Moody Blues seed mix and Purple Haze turf. It grows wild in the Alps, where it can flower from June through to September, and gently self-seeds in garden settings.
Red campion
Silene dioica is a common but widely cherished British native found in hedgerows and shady verges. It also grows naturally across Europe. Flowering over a long season, with blooms into autumn if given an early summer cut, this wildflower is perfectly at home in light-dappled shade. It can be found in the Woodland Edge seed mix and Woodland Fringe turf. Silene dioica is dioecious, meaning they have distinct male and female flowers on separate plants.
Cowslip
Perfectly adapted to the stresses of roadside conditions, Primula veris can be found in the Pollinator Verge turf, where it sits alongside other low growing flowers that tolerate a few cuts a year. This plant provides early season colour and nectar while most meadow plants are still waking up after winter.
Ragged-robin
Lychnis flos-cuculi is a small but shining star of wetland meadows and an understated jewel in the Waters Edge seed mix and Rain Garden turf. A British native that is also found across Europe and Asia, these flowers attract butterflies and long-tongued bees who feed on the flowers’ nectar.
Some of the plants found in Pictorial Meadows’ perennial seed mixes and turf that are suited to drought-tolerant, lower fertility, free-draining soils include:
Clary sage
Shimmering in metallic silver and lilac is Salvia sclarea. This perennial thrives in poor dry soils similar to its Mediterranean origins and is a star plant in the Persian Carpet seed mix and Patchwork Quilt turf. This was one of the earliest sages described by the Ancient Greeks, who used it in eye washes and other remedies.
Fox-and-cubs / Tawny hawkweed
Long-flowering, robust and dependable, Pilosella aurantiaca is a key plant in the Tuscan Hills seed mix and Indian Summer turf. The glowing warmth of this charming plant gives it a Mediterranean feel, despite its high Alpine origin. Thought to have been brought to the British Isles about 500 years ago, it is a welcome naturalised incomer.
Sea holly
The Cottage Garden seed mix and Super Pollinator turf are perfectly suited to growing in the most hostile of environments, on sand and crushed rubble brownfield sites. Piercing metallic blue, Eryngium planum is a star plant of these mixes and is adapted to hot/dry environments.
Sea thrift / Sea pink
Adapted to exposed roof tops and shallow soils, the Botanical Skyline turf is an instant solution for creating biodiverse green roofs. This turf contains 27 species, including a diverse range of Alpine and Mediterranean flowering plants, fine fescue grasses and a range of ultra-resilient sedums. Perfectly suited to Alpine and Mediterranean environments is Armeria maritima. A compact emerald pincushion of foliage sits below fabulous pink pompom flowers that dry to attractive seedheads. Suited to rooftop conditions, this plant grows wild on sea cliffs and sand dunes.
This is a just a snapshot of the huge diversity of flowering perennials you can find in Pictorial Meadows’ seed mixes and turf. The mixes contain a huge range of plants, many of which are not commonly found in traditional plant nurseries and garden centres.
Over time, the plant community finds its own balance in tune with your environment. Good management is key to keeping the mix diverse and highly floriferous. Pictorial Meadows’ seed mixes and turf are the start of a journey of wonder and excitement, with constant seasonal change that varies from year to year.
If you have any product queries or would like some gardening tips, feel free to get in touch online here or call 0114 267 7635.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
About Pictorial Meadows’ Perennial Seed Mixes and Turf
Pictorial Meadows’ perennial seed mixes and turf are renowned for their range and diversity of flower species, offering a vibrant and varied selection of flowering plants suitable for different environments. Developed and refined over the past 20 years, these mixes and turfs contain between 25 and 30 different flowering species, including a mix of floriferous native and long-flowering global wildflower species. From dry rooftops and brownfield rubble to woodland edges and damp rain gardens, Pictorial Meadows’ perennial seed mixes and turf are specially designed to bring buzzing beauty to a wide range of settings.
Flower Species Suited to Normal, Heavier, and Variable Fertility Soils
Maltese-cross / Scarlet lychnis: Lychnis chalcedonica is a vibrant scarlet-orange perennial originating from the fertile grassy meadows and river valleys of Russia. It is found in the Turkish Delight seed mix and Treasure Chest turf.
Peach-leaved bellflower: Campanula persicifolia, a long-flowering species with lilac-blue bells, is a classic cottage garden plant adapted to environments that are semi-shaded or exposed to the full sun. It is found in the Moody Blues seed mix and Purple Haze turf.
Red campion: Silene dioica, a common but widely cherished British native, is found in hedgerows and shady verges. It is perfectly at home in light-dappled shade and can be found in the Woodland Edge seed mix and Woodland Fringe turf.
Cowslip: Primula veris, perfectly adapted to the stresses of roadside conditions, can be found in the Pollinator Verge turf, providing early season color and nectar while most meadow plants are still waking up after winter.
Ragged-robin: Lychnis flos-cuculi, a small but shining star of wetland meadows, is found in the Waters Edge seed mix and Rain Garden turf, attracting butterflies and long-tongued bees who feed on the flowers’ nectar.
Flower Species Suited to Drought-Tolerant, Lower Fertility, Free-Draining Soils
Clary sage: Salvia sclarea, shimmering in metallic silver and lilac, thrives in poor dry soils similar to its Mediterranean origins and is a star plant in the Persian Carpet seed mix and Patchwork Quilt turf.
Fox-and-cubs / Tawny hawkweed: Pilosella aurantiaca, long-flowering, robust, and dependable, is a key plant in the Tuscan Hills seed mix and Indian Summer turf, giving a Mediterranean feel despite its high Alpine origin.
Sea holly: Eryngium planum, with piercing metallic blue, is a star plant of the Cottage Garden seed mix and Super Pollinator turf, adapted to hot/dry environments.
Sea thrift / Sea pink: Armeria maritima, suited to rooftop conditions, grows wild on sea cliffs and sand dunes. It is found in the Botanical Skyline turf, an instant solution for creating biodiverse green roofs.
Conclusion
Pictorial Meadows’ perennial seed mixes and turf offer a huge diversity of flowering perennials, many of which are not commonly found in traditional plant nurseries and garden centers. The mixes contain a wide range of plants, and over time, the plant community finds its own balance in tune with the environment, making good management key to keeping the mix diverse and highly floriferous. These seed mixes and turf are the start of a journey of wonder and excitement, with constant seasonal change that varies from year to year.
