Unlike man-made garden cultivars or hybrids, wildflowers are found growing freely throughout nature, often creeping into urban areas along roadsides and sidewalks. People often buy packets of mixed wildflowers and throw them into their garden, hoping to see beautiful results with little to no maintenance. There are a number of wildflowers that can be cultivated in the home garden with ease.
A member of the aster/daisy family, common yarrow (Achillea millefolium), also called sneezewort or soldier's friend, is an herbaceous perennial that hails from Europe and Western Asia. This wildflower is considered a weed by some, but is enjoyed as an easy-to-grow perennial by others. Growing between 1 to 3 feet high, common yarrow boasts jagged gray-green leaves and delicate, fragrant white flowers. The plant does best in full sunlight in USDA zones 3 to 9. Common yarrow prefers a well-drained soil that is not rich in nutrients, and will suffer if grown with fertilizer. The plant should be watered frequently until established. Once firmly set in the soil, common yarrow requires no supplemental watering and practically no care at all.
A member of the aster/daisy family, black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia hirta), also called gloriosa daisy, is a short-lived perennial native to the United States. The plant grows between 1 to 3 feet high, producing blue-green foliage, and yellow and brown flowers. Black-eyed susans are a common sight along roadsides and other sandy areas. The plant is best suited to USDA zones 4A to 9A, where it will grow in just about any well-drained soil. The plant does best in full sunlight, with regular watering until it is established. Black-eyed susans are excellent for attracting butterflies to the yard, and can also be cut for long-lasting fresh flower bouquets.
The California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is an annual native to North America. The plant is well known as the state flower of California, and can be seen growing both in the wild and in gardens throughout the state. The low-growing plant, which only reaches about 1 foot in height, is notable for its wiry blueish foliage and its silky, cup-shaped flowers, which are a rich and vibrant shade of orange. The California poppy grows best in full sunlight USDA zones 5 to 10. The plant prefers a well-drained, infertile, even disturbed soil and little else. Too much water will harm the plant, so avoid giving the poppy supplemental watering. California poppy can be enjoyed with almost no effort at all.