Wildflowers
Rhinanthus minor (Yellow Rattle)
Yellow Rattle
Yellow Rattle is semi-parasitic, with roots that attach themselves to the roots of nearby grasses, and weaken them, allowing other wild flowers to establish. If you are trying to establish a wild-flower meadow, growing this pretty annual is a good place to start. Also known as the Meadow Maker!
- Plant type
- Hardy Annual
- Position
- Full Sun to Full Shade
- Height
- 50cm
- Spread
- 10cm
Growing calendar
Sowing & growing
Seeds need a long period of cold stratification, so germination may be slow. Sow outdoors in Sep-Nov into scarified soil where it is to grow. No thinning required. Should self-sow for following year, once established. If sowing into existing grassland, the grass must be cut short so that the Yellow Rattle can establish. Water well if the soil is dry.
Aftercare
If the Yellow Rattle needs to be reduced, it can be cut after flowering so it doesn't set seed.
Gallery
Ref. SER003