Then, if necessary, control their growth. Wildflowers in the Formal Garden There s no need to relegate wildflowers to the landscape outside the garden. While it would be a mistake to introduce highly aggressive plants into a formal bed or border, many other wildflowers are well-mannered and perfectly at home in the garden proper. A little garden of wildflowers, one that is set off unto itself, can be a lot of fun to grow. It s also a great way to get to know the habits and ornamental qualities of various native plants that you might like to try in your other beds and borders.
Rock gardens are the perfect spot for low-growing wildflowers.
Alpine plants and those native to the arid West or Southwest tend to be the best rock garden specimens. For best results, they need plenty of sun, good air circulation, and sharply drained soil. Many of the perennial wildflowers have long stems and showy blossoms that add interest to both borders and indoor arrangements. Integrating wildflowers with other cultivated varieties in the context of a formal garden can often prove challenging. When you re including wild or native plants in the formal garden, try to select ones that will not only complement the rest of the bed in terms of height, bloom time and color, but that will also be compatible partners for the more refined cultivars and won t crowd them out over time.