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Wildflowers for Certain Soils
Most wildflowers are widely adaptable to soil type. However, certain soils are best for some species. To match your soils to the best species for your conditions, click any soil type below, and you will create a list of wildflowers that prefer or tolerate that particular type of soil.
 
Loam | Sandy | Clay | Acid | Alkaline
 
Wildflowers Suitable for Loam
Wildflowers that prefer of grow successfully in loam
Common Name Botanical Name Soil Preference
African Daisy Dimorphotheca sinuata* Like all South African wildflowers, prefers gritty dry conditions.
Annual 'Arroyo' Lupine Lupinus succulentus Adaptable, but like all lupines, prefers loose, sandy soil.
Annual Baby's Breath Gypsophila elegans Adaptable
Baby Blue Eyes Nemophilia menziesii Prefers light soils and dry conditions, but adaptable.
Baby Snapdragon/Toadflax Linaria maroccana Since it's from North Africa, this species prefers loose, sandy soil.
Bird's Eyes Gilia tricolor Adaptable, but prefers dry conditions.
Bird's Foot Trefoil Lotus corniculatus Adaptable
Black-Eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta Adaptable
Blanket Flower Gaillardia aristata Hot, dry, sandy conditions are best, but this species is adaptable.
Blazing Star Liatris spicata Needs loose fast-draining soil.
Blazing Star (yellow) Mentzelia lindleyi Adaptable
Blue Flax Linum perenne lewisii Adaptable, but prefers loose, sandy soil.
Blue Sage Salvia farinacea Adaptable
Butterfly Weed Asclepias tuberosa Requires sandy or gritty sharp-draining conditions
Calendula Calendula officianalis Adaptable
California Bluebell Phacelia campanularia Like all desert species, prefers gritty, fast-draining conditions.
California Poppy Eschscholzia californica Adaptable in any soil except heavy clay.
Candytuft Iberis umbellata Dislikes dampness, prefers fast-draining soils.
Chicory Cichorium intybus Adaptable
Chinese Forget-me-Not Cynoglossum amabile Adaptable
Chinese Houses Collinsia heterophylla Adaptable but perfers rich, moist soil.
Clasping Coneflower Rudbeckia amplexicaulis* Adaptable
Cornflower/Bachelor's Button (blue) Centaurea cyanus (blue) Adaptable
Cornflower/Bachelor's Button (multi) Centaurea cyanus (multicolored) Adaptable
Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus Adaptable
Crimson Clover Trifolium incarnatum Adaptable
Dame's Rocket Hesperis matronalis Adaptable, and tolerates wetness well.
Desert Marigold Baileya multiradiata Adaptable, but prefers sandy soils.
Drummond Phlox Phlox drummondii Thrives in sandy soils, but is adaptable.
Eastern Red Columbine Aquilegia canadensis Adaptable
Evening Primrose Oenothera lamarckiana Adaptable
Farewell-to-Spring Clarkia unguiculata* Adaptable
Five Spot Nemophila maculata Adaptable
Forget-me-Not Myosotis sylvatica Actually a waterside plant, so moisture is all-important. Rich soils.
Foxglove Digitalis purpurea Prefers rich woodsy soil, but is adaptable
Globe Gilia Gilia capitata Adaptable
Gloriosa Daisy Rudbeckia gloriosa Adaptable
Godetia Clarkia amoena Adaptable, but thrives in sandy soil.
Golden Lupine Lupinus densiflorus Like all lupines, this species prefers loose or sandy soils.
Grey-Headed Coneflower Ratibida pinnata Adaptable, but prefers gritty, fast-draining conditions.
Hollyhock Alcea rosea Adaptable
Iceland Poppy Papaver nudicaule Needs loose soil and prefers neutral or alkaline soils to acidic.
Indian Blanket Gaillardia pulchella Hot, dry, sandy conditions are best, but this species is adaptable.
Johnny Jump-up Viola cornuta* Adaptable, but prefers rich soil.
Lacy Phacelia Phacelia tanacetifolia Like all desert species, prefers gritty, fast-draining conditions.
Lance-leaf Coreopsis Coreopsis lanceolata Adaptable
Lemon Mint Monarda citriodora Prefers alkaline soils, but is adaptable.
Maximilian's Sunflower Helianthus maximiliani Adaptable
Mexican Hat Ratibida columnaris (red) Somewhat adaptable, but prefers non-acid, dry conditions
Missouri Primrose Oenothera missouriensis Best in loose soil, since plant must form large fleshy root.
Morning Glory Ipomoea purpurea Adaptable
Moss Verbena Verbena tenuisecta Prefers fast-draining soil, but is adaptable
Mountain Phlox Linanthus grandiflorus Adaptable, but prefers well-draining soils with plenty of moisture.
Nasturtium Tropaeolum nanum Adaptable
New England Aster Aster novae-angliae Adaptable, but prefers non-acidic soils
None-so-Pretty or Catchfly Silene armeria Adaptable
Orange Cosmos Cosmos sulphureus Adaptable
Oriental Poppy Papaver orientale Adaptable
OxEye Daisy Chrysanthemum leucanthemum Adaptable
Pale Coneflower Echinacea pallida Adaptable
Plains Coreopsis Coreopsis tinctoria Adaptable
Prairie Aster Aster tanacetifolius* Adaptable
Purple Coneflower Echinacea purpurea Adaptable
Purple Prairie Clover Petalostemon purpureum* NEW Adaptable
Queen Anne's Lace Ammi majus* seeds Adaptable
Red Poppy (all red single) Papaver rhoeas (red) Prefers neutral to acid soil, but is adaptable. Difficult in clay.
Red Poppy (red, pink, doubles) Papaver rhoeas (mix) Prefers neutral to acid soil, but is adaptable. Difficult in clay.
Rocket Larkspur Delphinium ajacis* Needs plenty of moisture with well-draining conditions.
Rocky Mountain Bee Plant Cleome serrulata Adaptable
Rocky Mountain Pensternon Penstemon strictus Adaptable
Rose Mallow Lavatera trimestris Adaptable, and tolerates wetness well.
Scarlet Flax Linum grandiflorum rubrum Adaptable, but perfers loose, sandy soil.
Scarlet Sage Salvia coccinea Adaptable, but prefers gritty, fast-draining conditions.
Shasta Daisy Chrysanthemum maximum Adaptable
Showy Evening Primrose Oenothera speciosa Needs dry location; prefers loose, fast-draining soil.
Siberian Wallflower Cheiranthus allionii Adaptable
Standing Cypress Ipomopsis rubra Adaptable
Sweet Alyssum Lobularia maritima Adaptable
Sweet William Dianthus barbatus Somewhat adaptable, but prefers non-acid, moist conditions.
Texas Bluebonnet Lupinus texensis Adaptable, but like all lupines, prefers loose, sandy soil.
Tidy Tips Layia platyglossa Adaptable, but prefers dry conditions.
White Yarrow Achillea millefolium seeds Adaptable
Wild Annual Sunflower Helianthus annuus Adaptable
Wild Perennial Lupine Lupinus perennis Adaptable, but like all lupines, prefers loose, sandy soil.
Yellow Prairie Coneflower Ratibida columnaris (yellow) Somewhat adaptable, but prefers non-acid, dry conditions
Zinnia Zinnia elegans Adaptable
Back to top
 
Wildflowers Suitable for Sandy
Wildflowers that prefer or grow successfully in sandy soils
Common Name Botanical Name Soil Preference
African Daisy Dimorphotheca sinuata* Like all South African wildflowers, prefers gritty dry conditions.
Annual 'Arroyo' Lupine Lupinus succulentus Adaptable, but like all lupines, prefers loose, sandy soil.
Annual Baby's Breath Gypsophila elegans Adaptable
Baby Blue Eyes Nemophilia menziesii Prefers light soils and dry conditions, but adaptable.
Baby Snapdragon/Toadflax Linaria maroccana Since it's from North Africa, this species prefers loose, sandy soil.
Bird's Eyes Gilia tricolor Adaptable, but prefers dry conditions.
Bird's Foot Trefoil Lotus corniculatus Adaptable
Black-Eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta Adaptable
Blanket Flower Gaillardia aristata Hot, dry, sandy conditions are best, but this species is adaptable.
Blazing Star Liatris spicata Needs loose fast-draining soil.
Blazing Star (yellow) Mentzelia lindleyi Adaptable
Blue Flax Linum perenne lewisii Adaptable, but prefers loose, sandy soil.
Blue Sage Salvia farinacea Adaptable
Butterfly Weed Asclepias tuberosa Requires sandy or gritty sharp-draining conditions
Calendula Calendula officianalis Adaptable
California Bluebell Phacelia campanularia Like all desert species, prefers gritty, fast-draining conditions.
California Poppy Eschscholzia californica Adaptable in any soil except heavy clay.
Candytuft Iberis umbellata Dislikes dampness, prefers fast-draining soils.
Chicory Cichorium intybus Adaptable
Chinese Forget-me-Not Cynoglossum amabile Adaptable
Chinese Houses Collinsia heterophylla Adaptable but perfers rich, moist soil.
Clasping Coneflower Rudbeckia amplexicaulis* Adaptable
Cornflower/Bachelor's Button (blue) Centaurea cyanus (blue) Adaptable
Cornflower/Bachelor's Button (multi) Centaurea cyanus (multicolored) Adaptable
Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus Adaptable
Crimson Clover Trifolium incarnatum Adaptable
Dame's Rocket Hesperis matronalis Adaptable, and tolerates wetness well.
Desert Marigold Baileya multiradiata Adaptable, but prefers sandy soils.
Drummond Phlox Phlox drummondii Thrives in sandy soils, but is adaptable.
Eastern Red Columbine Aquilegia canadensis Adaptable
Evening Primrose Oenothera lamarckiana Adaptable
Farewell-to-Spring Clarkia unguiculata* Adaptable
Five Spot Nemophila maculata Adaptable
Forget-me-Not Myosotis sylvatica Actually a waterside plant, so moisture is all-important. Rich soils.
Foxglove Digitalis purpurea Prefers rich woodsy soil, but is adaptable
Globe Gilia Gilia capitata Adaptable
Gloriosa Daisy Rudbeckia gloriosa Adaptable
Godetia Clarkia amoena Adaptable, but thrives in sandy soil.
Golden Lupine Lupinus densiflorus Like all lupines, this species prefers loose or sandy soils.
Grey-Headed Coneflower Ratibida pinnata Adaptable, but prefers gritty, fast-draining conditions.
Hollyhock Alcea rosea Adaptable
Iceland Poppy Papaver nudicaule Needs loose soil and prefers neutral or alkaline soils to acidic.
Indian Blanket Gaillardia pulchella Hot, dry, sandy conditions are best, but this species is adaptable.
Johnny Jump-up Viola cornuta* Adaptable, but prefers rich soil.
Lacy Phacelia Phacelia tanacetifolia Like all desert species, prefers gritty, fast-draining conditions.
Lance-leaf Coreopsis Coreopsis lanceolata Adaptable
Lemon Mint Monarda citriodora Prefers alkaline soils, but is adaptable.
Maximilian's Sunflower Helianthus maximiliani Adaptable
Mexican Hat Ratibida columnaris (red) Somewhat adaptable, but prefers non-acid, dry conditions
Missouri Primrose Oenothera missouriensis Best in loose soil, since plant must form large fleshy root.
Morning Glory Ipomoea purpurea Adaptable
Moss Verbena Verbena tenuisecta Prefers fast-draining soil, but is adaptable
Mountain Phlox Linanthus grandiflorus Adaptable, but prefers well-draining soils with plenty of moisture.
Nasturtium Tropaeolum nanum Adaptable
New England Aster Aster novae-angliae Adaptable, but prefers non-acidic soils
None-so-Pretty or Catchfly Silene armeria Adaptable
Orange Cosmos Cosmos sulphureus Adaptable
Oriental Poppy Papaver orientale Adaptable
OxEye Daisy Chrysanthemum leucanthemum Adaptable
Pale Coneflower Echinacea pallida Adaptable
Plains Coreopsis Coreopsis tinctoria Adaptable
Prairie Aster Aster tanacetifolius* Adaptable
Purple Coneflower Echinacea purpurea Adaptable
Purple Prairie Clover Petalostemon purpureum* NEW Adaptable
Queen Anne's Lace Ammi majus* seeds Adaptable
Red Poppy (all red single) Papaver rhoeas (red) Prefers neutral to acid soil, but is adaptable. Difficult in clay.
Red Poppy (red, pink, doubles) Papaver rhoeas (mix) Prefers neutral to acid soil, but is adaptable. Difficult in clay.
Rocket Larkspur Delphinium ajacis* Needs plenty of moisture with well-draining conditions.
Rocky Mountain Bee Plant Cleome serrulata Adaptable
Rocky Mountain Pensternon Penstemon strictus Adaptable
Rose Mallow Lavatera trimestris Adaptable, and tolerates wetness well.
Scarlet Flax Linum grandiflorum rubrum Adaptable, but perfers loose, sandy soil.
Scarlet Sage Salvia coccinea Adaptable, but prefers gritty, fast-draining conditions.
Shasta Daisy Chrysanthemum maximum Adaptable
Showy Evening Primrose Oenothera speciosa Needs dry location; prefers loose, fast-draining soil.
Siberian Wallflower Cheiranthus allionii Adaptable
Standing Cypress Ipomopsis rubra Adaptable
Sweet Alyssum Lobularia maritima Adaptable
Sweet William Dianthus barbatus Somewhat adaptable, but prefers non-acid, moist conditions.
Texas Bluebonnet Lupinus texensis Adaptable, but like all lupines, prefers loose, sandy soil.
Tidy Tips Layia platyglossa Adaptable, but prefers dry conditions.
White Yarrow Achillea millefolium seeds Adaptable
Wild Annual Sunflower Helianthus annuus Adaptable
Wild Perennial Lupine Lupinus perennis Adaptable, but like all lupines, prefers loose, sandy soil.
Yellow Prairie Coneflower Ratibida columnaris (yellow) Somewhat adaptable, but prefers non-acid, dry conditions
Zinnia Zinnia elegans Adaptable
Back to top
 
Wildflowers Suitable for Clay
Wildflowers that grow successfully in clay soils
Common Name Botanical Name Soil Preference
African Daisy Dimorphotheca sinuata* Like all South African wildflowers, prefers gritty dry conditions.
Annual 'Arroyo' Lupine Lupinus succulentus Adaptable, but like all lupines, prefers loose, sandy soil.
Annual Baby's Breath Gypsophila elegans Adaptable
Baby Blue Eyes Nemophilia menziesii Prefers light soils and dry conditions, but adaptable.
Bird's Eyes Gilia tricolor Adaptable, but prefers dry conditions.
Bird's Foot Trefoil Lotus corniculatus Adaptable
Black-Eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta Adaptable
Blanket Flower Gaillardia aristata Hot, dry, sandy conditions are best, but this species is adaptable.
Blazing Star Liatris spicata Needs loose fast-draining soil.
Blazing Star (yellow) Mentzelia lindleyi Adaptable
Blue Flax Linum perenne lewisii Adaptable, but prefers loose, sandy soil.
Blue Sage Salvia farinacea Adaptable
Butterfly Weed Asclepias tuberosa Requires sandy or gritty sharp-draining conditions
Calendula Calendula officianalis Adaptable
California Bluebell Phacelia campanularia Like all desert species, prefers gritty, fast-draining conditions.
Candytuft Iberis umbellata Dislikes dampness, prefers fast-draining soils.
Chicory Cichorium intybus Adaptable
Chinese Forget-me-Not Cynoglossum amabile Adaptable
Chinese Houses Collinsia heterophylla Adaptable but perfers rich, moist soil.
Clasping Coneflower Rudbeckia amplexicaulis* Adaptable
Cornflower/Bachelor's Button (blue) Centaurea cyanus (blue) Adaptable
Cornflower/Bachelor's Button (multi) Centaurea cyanus (multicolored) Adaptable
Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus Adaptable
Crimson Clover Trifolium incarnatum Adaptable
Dame's Rocket Hesperis matronalis Adaptable, and tolerates wetness well.
Drummond Phlox Phlox drummondii Thrives in sandy soils, but is adaptable.
Eastern Red Columbine Aquilegia canadensis Adaptable
Evening Primrose Oenothera lamarckiana Adaptable
Farewell-to-Spring Clarkia unguiculata* Adaptable
Five Spot Nemophila maculata Adaptable
Forget-me-Not Myosotis sylvatica Actually a waterside plant, so moisture is all-important. Rich soils.
Foxglove Digitalis purpurea Prefers rich woodsy soil, but is adaptable
Globe Gilia Gilia capitata Adaptable
Gloriosa Daisy Rudbeckia gloriosa Adaptable
Godetia Clarkia amoena Adaptable, but thrives in sandy soil.
Golden Lupine Lupinus densiflorus Like all lupines, this species prefers loose or sandy soils.
Grey-Headed Coneflower Ratibida pinnata Adaptable, but prefers gritty, fast-draining conditions.
Hollyhock Alcea rosea Adaptable
Indian Blanket Gaillardia pulchella Hot, dry, sandy conditions are best, but this species is adaptable.
Johnny Jump-up Viola cornuta* Adaptable, but prefers rich soil.
Lacy Phacelia Phacelia tanacetifolia Like all desert species, prefers gritty, fast-draining conditions.
Lance-leaf Coreopsis Coreopsis lanceolata Adaptable
Lemon Mint Monarda citriodora Prefers alkaline soils, but is adaptable.
Maximilian's Sunflower Helianthus maximiliani Adaptable
Mexican Hat Ratibida columnaris (red) Somewhat adaptable, but prefers non-acid, dry conditions
Morning Glory Ipomoea purpurea Adaptable
Moss Verbena Verbena tenuisecta Prefers fast-draining soil, but is adaptable
Mountain Phlox Linanthus grandiflorus Adaptable, but prefers well-draining soils with plenty of moisture.
Nasturtium Tropaeolum nanum Adaptable
New England Aster Aster novae-angliae Adaptable, but prefers non-acidic soils
None-so-Pretty or Catchfly Silene armeria Adaptable
Orange Cosmos Cosmos sulphureus Adaptable
Oriental Poppy Papaver orientale Adaptable
OxEye Daisy Chrysanthemum leucanthemum Adaptable
Pale Coneflower Echinacea pallida Adaptable
Plains Coreopsis Coreopsis tinctoria Adaptable
Prairie Aster Aster tanacetifolius* Adaptable
Purple Coneflower Echinacea purpurea Adaptable
Purple Prairie Clover Petalostemon purpureum* NEW Adaptable
Queen Anne's Lace Ammi majus* seeds Adaptable
Rocket Larkspur Delphinium ajacis* Needs plenty of moisture with well-draining conditions.
Rocky Mountain Bee Plant Cleome serrulata Adaptable
Rocky Mountain Pensternon Penstemon strictus Adaptable
Rose Mallow Lavatera trimestris Adaptable, and tolerates wetness well.
Scarlet Flax Linum grandiflorum rubrum Adaptable, but perfers loose, sandy soil.
Scarlet Sage Salvia coccinea Adaptable, but prefers gritty, fast-draining conditions.
Shasta Daisy Chrysanthemum maximum Adaptable
Showy Evening Primrose Oenothera speciosa Needs dry location; prefers loose, fast-draining soil.
Siberian Wallflower Cheiranthus allionii Adaptable
Standing Cypress Ipomopsis rubra Adaptable
Sweet Alyssum Lobularia maritima Adaptable
Sweet William Dianthus barbatus Somewhat adaptable, but prefers non-acid, moist conditions.
Texas Bluebonnet Lupinus texensis Adaptable, but like all lupines, prefers loose, sandy soil.
Tidy Tips Layia platyglossa Adaptable, but prefers dry conditions.
White Yarrow Achillea millefolium seeds Adaptable
Wild Annual Sunflower Helianthus annuus Adaptable
Wild Perennial Lupine Lupinus perennis Adaptable, but like all lupines, prefers loose, sandy soil.
Yellow Prairie Coneflower Ratibida columnaris (yellow) Somewhat adaptable, but prefers non-acid, dry conditions
Zinnia Zinnia elegans Adaptable
Back to top
 
Wildflowers Suitable for Acid
Wildflowers that prefer acid soils
Common Name Botanical Name Soil Preference
African Daisy Dimorphotheca sinuata* Like all South African wildflowers, prefers gritty dry conditions.
Annual 'Arroyo' Lupine Lupinus succulentus Adaptable, but like all lupines, prefers loose, sandy soil.
Annual Baby's Breath Gypsophila elegans Adaptable
Baby Blue Eyes Nemophilia menziesii Prefers light soils and dry conditions, but adaptable.
Baby Snapdragon/Toadflax Linaria maroccana Since it's from North Africa, this species prefers loose, sandy soil.
Bird's Eyes Gilia tricolor Adaptable, but prefers dry conditions.
Bird's Foot Trefoil Lotus corniculatus Adaptable
Black-Eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta Adaptable
Blanket Flower Gaillardia aristata Hot, dry, sandy conditions are best, but this species is adaptable.
Blazing Star Liatris spicata Needs loose fast-draining soil.
Blazing Star (yellow) Mentzelia lindleyi Adaptable
Blue Flax Linum perenne lewisii Adaptable, but prefers loose, sandy soil.
Blue Sage Salvia farinacea Adaptable
Butterfly Weed Asclepias tuberosa Requires sandy or gritty sharp-draining conditions
Calendula Calendula officianalis Adaptable
California Bluebell Phacelia campanularia Like all desert species, prefers gritty, fast-draining conditions.
California Poppy Eschscholzia californica Adaptable in any soil except heavy clay.
Candytuft Iberis umbellata Dislikes dampness, prefers fast-draining soils.
Chicory Cichorium intybus Adaptable
Chinese Forget-me-Not Cynoglossum amabile Adaptable
Chinese Houses Collinsia heterophylla Adaptable but perfers rich, moist soil.
Clasping Coneflower Rudbeckia amplexicaulis* Adaptable
Cornflower/Bachelor's Button (blue) Centaurea cyanus (blue) Adaptable
Cornflower/Bachelor's Button (multi) Centaurea cyanus (multicolored) Adaptable
Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus Adaptable
Crimson Clover Trifolium incarnatum Adaptable
Dame's Rocket Hesperis matronalis Adaptable, and tolerates wetness well.
Desert Marigold Baileya multiradiata Adaptable, but prefers sandy soils.
Drummond Phlox Phlox drummondii Thrives in sandy soils, but is adaptable.
Eastern Red Columbine Aquilegia canadensis Adaptable
Evening Primrose Oenothera lamarckiana Adaptable
Farewell-to-Spring Clarkia unguiculata* Adaptable
Five Spot Nemophila maculata Adaptable
Forget-me-Not Myosotis sylvatica Actually a waterside plant, so moisture is all-important. Rich soils.
Foxglove Digitalis purpurea Prefers rich woodsy soil, but is adaptable
Globe Gilia Gilia capitata Adaptable
Gloriosa Daisy Rudbeckia gloriosa Adaptable
Godetia Clarkia amoena Adaptable, but thrives in sandy soil.
Golden Lupine Lupinus densiflorus Like all lupines, this species prefers loose or sandy soils.
Grey-Headed Coneflower Ratibida pinnata Adaptable, but prefers gritty, fast-draining conditions.
Hollyhock Alcea rosea Adaptable
Iceland Poppy Papaver nudicaule Needs loose soil and prefers neutral or alkaline soils to acidic.
Indian Blanket Gaillardia pulchella Hot, dry, sandy conditions are best, but this species is adaptable.
Johnny Jump-up Viola cornuta* Adaptable, but prefers rich soil.
Lacy Phacelia Phacelia tanacetifolia Like all desert species, prefers gritty, fast-draining conditions.
Lance-leaf Coreopsis Coreopsis lanceolata Adaptable
Maximilian's Sunflower Helianthus maximiliani Adaptable
Missouri Primrose Oenothera missouriensis Best in loose soil, since plant must form large fleshy root.
Morning Glory Ipomoea purpurea Adaptable
Moss Verbena Verbena tenuisecta Prefers fast-draining soil, but is adaptable
Mountain Phlox Linanthus grandiflorus Adaptable, but prefers well-draining soils with plenty of moisture.
Nasturtium Tropaeolum nanum Adaptable
None-so-Pretty or Catchfly Silene armeria Adaptable
Orange Cosmos Cosmos sulphureus Adaptable
Oriental Poppy Papaver orientale Adaptable
OxEye Daisy Chrysanthemum leucanthemum Adaptable
Pale Coneflower Echinacea pallida Adaptable
Plains Coreopsis Coreopsis tinctoria Adaptable
Prairie Aster Aster tanacetifolius* Adaptable
Purple Coneflower Echinacea purpurea Adaptable
Purple Prairie Clover Petalostemon purpureum* NEW Adaptable
Queen Anne's Lace Ammi majus* seeds Adaptable
Red Poppy (all red single) Papaver rhoeas (red) Prefers neutral to acid soil, but is adaptable. Difficult in clay.
Red Poppy (red, pink, doubles) Papaver rhoeas (mix) Prefers neutral to acid soil, but is adaptable. Difficult in clay.
Rocket Larkspur Delphinium ajacis* Needs plenty of moisture with well-draining conditions.
Rocky Mountain Bee Plant Cleome serrulata Adaptable
Rocky Mountain Pensternon Penstemon strictus Adaptable
Rose Mallow Lavatera trimestris Adaptable, and tolerates wetness well.
Scarlet Flax Linum grandiflorum rubrum Adaptable, but perfers loose, sandy soil.
Scarlet Sage Salvia coccinea Adaptable, but prefers gritty, fast-draining conditions.
Shasta Daisy Chrysanthemum maximum Adaptable
Showy Evening Primrose Oenothera speciosa Needs dry location; prefers loose, fast-draining soil.
Siberian Wallflower Cheiranthus allionii Adaptable
Standing Cypress Ipomopsis rubra Adaptable
Sweet Alyssum Lobularia maritima Adaptable
Texas Bluebonnet Lupinus texensis Adaptable, but like all lupines, prefers loose, sandy soil.
Tidy Tips Layia platyglossa Adaptable, but prefers dry conditions.
White Yarrow Achillea millefolium seeds Adaptable
Wild Annual Sunflower Helianthus annuus Adaptable
Wild Perennial Lupine Lupinus perennis Adaptable, but like all lupines, prefers loose, sandy soil.
Zinnia Zinnia elegans Adaptable
Back to top
 
Wildflowers Suitable for Alkaline
Wildflowers that prefer neutral to alkaline soils
Common Name Botanical Name Soil Preference
African Daisy Dimorphotheca sinuata* Like all South African wildflowers, prefers gritty dry conditions.
Annual 'Arroyo' Lupine Lupinus succulentus Adaptable, but like all lupines, prefers loose, sandy soil.
Annual Baby's Breath Gypsophila elegans Adaptable
Baby Blue Eyes Nemophilia menziesii Prefers light soils and dry conditions, but adaptable.
Baby Snapdragon/Toadflax Linaria maroccana Since it's from North Africa, this species prefers loose, sandy soil.
Bird's Eyes Gilia tricolor Adaptable, but prefers dry conditions.
Bird's Foot Trefoil Lotus corniculatus Adaptable
Black-Eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta Adaptable
Blanket Flower Gaillardia aristata Hot, dry, sandy conditions are best, but this species is adaptable.
Blazing Star Liatris spicata Needs loose fast-draining soil.
Blazing Star (yellow) Mentzelia lindleyi Adaptable
Blue Flax Linum perenne lewisii Adaptable, but prefers loose, sandy soil.
Blue Sage Salvia farinacea Adaptable
Butterfly Weed Asclepias tuberosa Requires sandy or gritty sharp-draining conditions
Calendula Calendula officianalis Adaptable
California Bluebell Phacelia campanularia Like all desert species, prefers gritty, fast-draining conditions.
California Poppy Eschscholzia californica Adaptable in any soil except heavy clay.
Candytuft Iberis umbellata Dislikes dampness, prefers fast-draining soils.
Chicory Cichorium intybus Adaptable
Chinese Forget-me-Not Cynoglossum amabile Adaptable
Chinese Houses Collinsia heterophylla Adaptable but perfers rich, moist soil.
Clasping Coneflower Rudbeckia amplexicaulis* Adaptable
Cornflower/Bachelor's Button (blue) Centaurea cyanus (blue) Adaptable
Cornflower/Bachelor's Button (multi) Centaurea cyanus (multicolored) Adaptable
Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus Adaptable
Crimson Clover Trifolium incarnatum Adaptable
Dame's Rocket Hesperis matronalis Adaptable, and tolerates wetness well.
Desert Marigold Baileya multiradiata Adaptable, but prefers sandy soils.
Drummond Phlox Phlox drummondii Thrives in sandy soils, but is adaptable.
Eastern Red Columbine Aquilegia canadensis Adaptable
Evening Primrose Oenothera lamarckiana Adaptable
Farewell-to-Spring Clarkia unguiculata* Adaptable
Five Spot Nemophila maculata Adaptable
Forget-me-Not Myosotis sylvatica Actually a waterside plant, so moisture is all-important. Rich soils.
Globe Gilia Gilia capitata Adaptable
Gloriosa Daisy Rudbeckia gloriosa Adaptable
Godetia Clarkia amoena Adaptable, but thrives in sandy soil.
Golden Lupine Lupinus densiflorus Like all lupines, this species prefers loose or sandy soils.
Grey-Headed Coneflower Ratibida pinnata Adaptable, but prefers gritty, fast-draining conditions.
Hollyhock Alcea rosea Adaptable
Iceland Poppy Papaver nudicaule Needs loose soil and prefers neutral or alkaline soils to acidic.
Indian Blanket Gaillardia pulchella Hot, dry, sandy conditions are best, but this species is adaptable.
Johnny Jump-up Viola cornuta* Adaptable, but prefers rich soil.
Lacy Phacelia Phacelia tanacetifolia Like all desert species, prefers gritty, fast-draining conditions.
Lance-leaf Coreopsis Coreopsis lanceolata Adaptable
Lemon Mint Monarda citriodora Prefers alkaline soils, but is adaptable.
Maximilian's Sunflower Helianthus maximiliani Adaptable
Mexican Hat Ratibida columnaris (red) Somewhat adaptable, but prefers non-acid, dry conditions
Missouri Primrose Oenothera missouriensis Best in loose soil, since plant must form large fleshy root.
Morning Glory Ipomoea purpurea Adaptable
Moss Verbena Verbena tenuisecta Prefers fast-draining soil, but is adaptable
Mountain Phlox Linanthus grandiflorus Adaptable, but prefers well-draining soils with plenty of moisture.
Nasturtium Tropaeolum nanum Adaptable
New England Aster Aster novae-angliae Adaptable, but prefers non-acidic soils
None-so-Pretty or Catchfly Silene armeria Adaptable
Orange Cosmos Cosmos sulphureus Adaptable
Oriental Poppy Papaver orientale Adaptable
OxEye Daisy Chrysanthemum leucanthemum Adaptable
Pale Coneflower Echinacea pallida Adaptable
Plains Coreopsis Coreopsis tinctoria Adaptable
Prairie Aster Aster tanacetifolius* Adaptable
Purple Coneflower Echinacea purpurea Adaptable
Purple Prairie Clover Petalostemon purpureum* NEW Adaptable
Queen Anne's Lace Ammi majus* seeds Adaptable