Annual Wildflowers for Zone 10
Few things are as spectacular as a field or bed of hot weather wildflowers. If you are an urban gardener and don’t have the opportunity to see a native pasture or hillside taken over by these colorful beauties, you can still select species that will fit into your landscape and provide the eye-popping color of a wildflower oasis. Annuals often start beautifully from seed and can be found already blooming in the season in which they should be planted. Often some of the earliest flowering plants, annuals can help attract pollinating insects to the garden. As busy bees and beautiful butterflies feed off the flower’s nectar, they also pollinate, enhancing flower, fruit, and vegetable production in the landscape. Some wonderful annual zone 10 wildflowers to try might be:
African daisy Baby’s breath California poppy Indian blanket Verbena Rocky Mountain bee plant Sunflower Baby blue eyes Cornflower Farewell to spring Cosmos Snapdragon
Perennial Hot Weather Wildflowers
Zone 10 gardeners are in for a treat when they start selecting wildflowers. The ample sun and warm temperatures of these regions are perfect for flowering plants. You may want ground hugging plants like pussytoes or statuesque beauties like goldenrod. There is a wide variety of sizes and colors from which to choose in zone 10. These plants will also attract pollinators and beneficial insects, and most bloom from late spring until the end of summer and beyond, while some will bloom almost year-round. Some selections for perennial wildflowers in zone 10 include:
Siberian wallflower Tickseed Ox-eye daisy Purple coneflower Mexican hat Blue flax Gloriosa daisy Penstemon Slender cinquefoil Columbine Common yarrow Lupine
Tips on Growing Wildflowers
Selection of flowering plants begins with evaluation of the site. Full sun locations are usually best, but some plants prefer at least some shade during the day. Most wildflowers need well-draining soil with average fertility. Enhance drainage and nutrient density by mixing compost into the garden bed. For plants that are directly sown in the garden, choosing the right time is also important. In warmer regions like zone 10, plants can be sown in fall and, in some cases, spring. Use seeds sourced from reputable dealers and starts from knowledgeable nurseries. As with any plant, give your wildflowers a good start and prevent weed and insect pests, and they will provide easy-care beauty and seasons of interest.
