How to plant wallflowers
Find out how to plant spring-flowering wallflowers, in our practical guide.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
At its best | yes | |||||||||||
To do | yes |
Wallflowers bloom in spring where there's little else in flower. They have a sweet but spicy fragrance, and make an excellent cut flower. Pollinators such as bumblebees benefit from the pollen and nectar they provide early in the year.
Bare root wallflowers are cheap to buy and are usually planted in autumn, often alongside spring-flowering bulbs, such as tulips. They are hardy enough to cope with winter frosts and they’ll establish and flower more quickly than those planted in spring.
Find out how to plant bare-root wallflowers, below.
You Will Need
- Bare-root wallflowers
- Hand fork or trowel
Total time: 30 minutes
Step 1
Buy bare-root wallflowers sold in bunches if possible, as these are better value than those sold as potted plants.
Step 2
Soak roots in water for at least an hour before planting them out in borders or containers. Plant them closely together for maximum impact, bearing in mind that they will become bushier as they develop. Water in well and allow to drain.
Step 3
Interplant wallflowers with tulips or other spring bulbs, for a fantastic show in April.
Christmas offer
Gift a subscription to BBC Gardeners' World magazine and save 51% on the shop price.
Year Planner 2025 on sale
Starting to plan your gardening year? The Year Planner 2025 is packed with expert advice from the Gardeners’ World team, to ensure you have your best gardening year yet.
New podcast series
Join Monty and the team for advice on winter gardening, tulips, caring for birds, house plants and more in the new BBC Gardeners' World Magazine podcast series.