The popularity of Limagrain UK’s Colour Splash decorative flower mixtures last year has led to six new mixtures being added to the range this year. These low maintenance flower seed mixtures add colour and brightness to parks, roundabouts, and golf courses. Included in the six new Colour Splash mixtures are Honey Bee Mixture and Biodiversity Mix, these are not only colourful but also contain plants which attract bees and insects.

Limagrain’s Matt Gresty explains: “Last year, the Colour Splash range consisted of just two flower mixtures - Douce France and Jour de Fête. They proved very easy to establish in the spring, did not require any fertiliser or pesticides, and provided attractive displays of flowers at sites around the country.

“So this year, in response to customer requests we have expanded the range to include some mixtures which will last more than a year, and/or contain flowers which attract insects or provide cover for small animals.”

The new Honey Bee mixture is ideal for landscaping use, and flowers from mid-June to mid-October. It contains nine annual plant varieties, selected for their ability to attract insects. It includes borage and cornflower, both recognised for being ‘bee-friendly’.

The Biodiversity Mix contains 15 different plant varieties, including lupin which ‘fixes’ atmospheric nitrogen back into the soil. The mixture contains annuals, bi-annuals and perennials, and so can last for several years. It creates a dense stand which provides shelter for small mammals, and the flowers attract butterflies and pollinating insects.

Another new mixture is Flore Francaise (pictured) which contains cornflower, poppy, white yarrow, borage and flaxes. It starts flowering just 50 days after germination and under the right management will reseed itself, and last for two to three seasons.

A new Colour Splash catalogue with information on the eight flower mixtures in the range is available from Limagrain UK by calling 01472 371471 or can be downloaded from www.limagrain.co.uk/amenity.