Specific seed mixes are available for many of the various environments found in the Far West. It is important that the wildflowers in the mix be matched to the particular soils and slope aspects of a site. Dry, sandy or rocky soils will support a completely different set of flowers than rich, loamy soils. If the area to be planted is on a hillside, the direction that the hill faces can strongly influence what will successfully grow there. South and west slopes tend to be hot and dry.
North slopes are cooler and moister, and east slopes are intermediate.
Conversely, those that require the heat of the south slope may be completely overtaken by the competition on a north slope. Some specialty houses will even design custom mixes to suit individual situations. Most meadow and prairie plants require at least one half day of full sun in order to perform well. If an area is shady, woodland wildflowers and ferns would be the best choice. There are very few seed mixes presently available for shady areas at this time.