The UK’s hedgehog population is struggling, with numbers down by 50% since the turn of the century, but we can all do something to help by growing British wildflowers! A wildflower patch is a super addition to creating a hedgehog-friendly garden, not only in providing shelter but in attracting a whole range of tasty insects for hedgehogs to feed on. These Seedball tins contain a mix of five native wildflowers recommended by the Bumblebee Conservation Trust - bees will just love them!
• A mix of five native wildflower species that are great for hedgehogs - Foxglove, Birdsfoot Trefoil, Wild Marjoram, Red Clover & Viper's-Bugloss, plus, a handful of speedier growing annuals Chamomile, Cornflower, Corn marigold, and Night-flowering catchfly.
• Available as a gift tin (20 balls per tin)
• 30 seeds per ball
• Enough to cover 1 metre square in a garden bed or 3-5 medium-sized Containers (leave at least 10cm between each ball).
• Easy to use, simply scatter on top of the soil in a garden bed or planter.
• Scatter in spring or autumn. Sprouts seen in 4-6 weeks.
Description
These wonderful seed balls are made from seeds, clay, peat-free compost and chilli powder which prevents the seeds from being a tasty lunch for birds and insects, thereby increasing the chances of your flowers growing. Plus, they're super easy to use, with no digging and no expert knowledge needed!
Birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus)
A perennial with clusters of yellow/orange pea-like leaves.
Height: 15-25cm.
Flowers: May to October.
Good to know: Lotus corniculatus is such a sunny little thing. Why not try it mixed into your summer baskets and patio Containers?
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
A tall biennial (flowering stem grows in the second year) with pink and purple flowers on spikes.
Height: 60 - 150cm.
Flowers: June to September.
Toxicity: Poisonous if eaten.
Good to know: Foxgloves are a really good ‘bridging plant’, as they bloom late May-June, a period when the bulbs have finished, and the summer perennials are yet to be at their best!
Red Clover (Trifolium pretense)
Perennial with trefoil leaves and pinky-red flowers. Good weed suppressor.
Height: 10 - 45cm.
Flowers: May to September.
Good to know: The Trifolium can help to break up heavy soil over time, plus it adds nitrogen to the soil, meaning healthy plants all round!
Viper's Bigloss (Echium vulgare)
A tall biennial (flowering stem grows in the second year) with incredibly blue flowers emerging from pink buds.
Height: 30 - 90cm.
Flowers: June to September.
Good to know: If you’re looking to do something a little different with your echium, why not try growing a low blue hedge with it or scatter it amongst paving slabs to soften the landscape and add a punch of colour?
Wild Marjoram (Origanum vulgare)
Aromatic perennial with dark purple buds and pinkish purple flowers.
Height: 30 - 60cm.
Flowers: April to November.
Good to know: The Wild Marjoram is not only a wildflower but can also double up as a pretty damn tasty pizza topping, along with your very best sweet tomatoes!
Hedgehog Mix also contains extra hedgehog loving annuals: Cornflower, Chamomile, Corn Marigold & Night-Flowering Catchfly.
