14 Essential 2024 Product Guide to establish, this is why they are seen growing in road verges, waste ground and on arable farm land. Annuals can provide a boost of colour to Spring sown seed mixtures, although this will only last for one season as their seed will not establish in a developed sward. Example species: Cornflower, Poppy, Corn Marigold. Biennials Biennial species complete their lifecycle in a two year period. In their first year of growth a biennial plant will produce leaves, roots and stems before going into dormancy over the Winter months. In year two they will grow significantly, flowering and producing seed before completely dying. Biennial species are often characterised by their tall and upright growth habit. Example species: Foxglove, Viper’s, Bugloss, Great Mullein. Around 15,000 hectares of unimproved grassland are believed to remain nationwide. This figure is now on the increase with many areas now being established with wildflowers. Road verges, farm field corners, public open spaces and even gardens are increasingly being established with wildflowers – all of which is of great benefit to protecting the unique botanical identity of the UK. There are believed to be approximately 1500 species of wildflowers found in the UK. These can be placed into the following categories: Annuals Annual species are ones which complete their life cycle within a one year period. They typically establish from seed in the Spring, flower, produce seed and completely die by the onset of Winter. The continuation of the species is entirely dependent on the successful establishment of the seed produced. As their survival depends on the success of their seed, annuals have evolved to produce larger quantities of seed. Annuals require ground disturbance each year in order It is estimated that since the Second World War 95% of the UK’s wildflower meadows have been lost. The post-war development of herbicides and high yielding forage grasses meant that landowners were able to convert their old hay meadows into highly productive grassland. Although unimproved grassland and wildflower meadows are of low value from a forage perspective, they are extremely valuable for preserving our native species and providing a habitat for wildlife. Wildflowers Advice
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