November may feel like the end of the growing season, but for many native wildflowers it’s just the beginning. Sowing at this time of year mirrors nature’s rhythm, allowing seeds to lie dormant through winter before bursting into growth come spring.
1. Red Campion (Silene dioica)
- Type: Perennial
- Pollinators: Bumblebees, hoverflies, moths
- Notes: Prefers partial shade and moist soils — great for woodland edges or hedgerows.
Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare)
- Type: Perennial
- Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, beetles
- Notes: Thrives in most soils; classic meadow species that blooms early in summer.
Common Knapweed (Centaurea nigra)
- Type: Perennial
- Pollinators: Bees, hoverflies, butterflies
- Notes: Excellent late-summer nectar source; thrives in low-fertility soils.
Field Scabious (Knautia arvensis)
- Type: Perennial
- Pollinators: Butterflies, solitary bees
- Notes: Long flowering season; prefers well-drained soils and full sun.
Wild Carrot (Daucus carota)
- Type: Biennial
- Pollinators: Hoverflies, beetles, small bees
- Notes: Umbel flowers attract a wide range of pollinators; looks elegant in naturalistic borders.
Cowslip (Primula veris)
- Type: Perennial
- Pollinators: Bumblebees and early butterflies
- Notes: One of the first spring flowers; sow now for spring germination. Prefers meadows or grassy verges.
Corn Marigold (Glebionis segetum)
- Type: Annual
- Pollinators: Bees and hoverflies
- Notes: Bright, cheerful flowers that self-seed readily; good for disturbed ground or wildflower borders.
Meadow Buttercup (Ranunculus acris)
- Type: Perennial
- Pollinators: Bees, hoverflies
- Notes: Prefers damp meadows or lawns; thrives in nutrient-rich soils.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
- Type: Perennial
- Pollinators: Bees, beetles, hoverflies
- Notes: Very hardy, drought tolerant and ideal for wildlife-friendly borders.
Native Plug Plants or Wildflower Mats to Plant in November
If you prefer not to sow from seed, these can be planted directly into prepared ground now while the soil is still workable.
- Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) – thrives in partial shade; strong draw for long-tongued bees.
- Hedge Woundwort (Stachys sylvatica) – valuable for bumblebees; tolerant of shade.
- Betony (Betonica officinalis) – late-flowering perennial that attracts carder bees.
- Bird’s-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) – host plant for common blue and dingy skipper butterflies.
- Viper’s Bugloss (Echium vulgare) – one of the best nectar sources for bees; needs well-drained soil.
Tips for Success
- Soil prep: Lightly rake the surface and remove weeds. Wildflower seeds prefer poor, low-fertility soil.
- Sowing depth: Very shallow — most native seeds need light to germinate.
- Protection: Use horticultural fleece or netting if birds or heavy rain are a risk.
- Aftercare: Keep soil moist until frosts begin. Seeds will germinate naturally in spring once temperatures rise.
Related essentials
Shop seed compost
Shop our extensive range of seed composts from trusted brands such as Melcourt and Levington Advance. Each blend is carefully formulated to provide a free draining, moisture retentive environment that supports strong root development and healthy growth. The choice of both home gardeners and horticultural professionals.
Shop flower seeds
From vibrant Verbena to elegant Foxglove, our wide range of flower seeds will bring colour and life to your beds, borders and containers, attracting wildlife and transforming your garden into a thriving outdoor haven.