The Guide to Flower Varieties Ideal for Lawns
Creating a flowering lawn transforms ordinary grass into a vibrant, eco-friendly landscape that supports pollinators and reduces maintenance. This Just Bloom HK guide explores the best flower varieties for establishing beautiful, functional lawn alternatives or enhancing traditional grass.
Understanding Flowering Lawns
A flowering lawn combines low-growing flowers with grass or replaces turf entirely with blooming ground covers. These alternatives require less mowing, conserve water, and provide habitat for beneficial insects while maintaining the visual appeal and functionality of traditional lawns.
Best Flower Varieties for Lawn Integration
White Dutch Clover (Trifolium repens)
White Dutch clover has become the cornerstone of flowering lawns. This nitrogen-fixing legume grows 4-8 inches tall and produces small white flowers from spring through fall.
Benefits:
Naturally fertilizes surrounding grass by fixing nitrogen in soil
Extremely drought-tolerant once established
Stays green during summer heat when grass goes dormant
Attracts bees and butterflies
Tolerates foot traffic reasonably well
Best for: Mixing with traditional grass lawns, sunny to partially shaded areas
Maintenance: Mow to 3-4 inches to maintain appearance; can withstand regular mowing
Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
This fragrant, mat-forming herb creates a stunning purple-pink carpet when in bloom during early summer. Growing only 2-4 inches tall, it's ideal for areas with light foot traffic.
Varieties to consider:
'Elfin' - ultra-compact, very traffic-tolerant
'Pink Chintz' - salmon-pink flowers
'Coccineus' - deep magenta blooms
Benefits:
Highly drought-resistant
Aromatic when stepped on
Evergreen in mild climates
Requires minimal mowing
Best for: Rock gardens, between stepping stones, sunny slopes, full lawn replacement in low-traffic areas
Maintenance: Trim back after flowering to maintain density
Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
Roman chamomile creates an apple-scented, daisy-studded lawn that releases fragrance when walked upon. It grows 3-6 inches tall with white and yellow flowers appearing in summer.
Benefits:
Tolerates moderate foot traffic
Pleasant fragrance
Evergreen in mild winters
Traditional lawn alternative with historical significance
Best for: Cottage gardens, sensory gardens, areas with dappled shade to full sun
Maintenance: Mow monthly during growing season or leave unmowed for a meadow effect
Violets (Viola species)
Wild violets produce charming purple, white, or yellow flowers in spring. These self-seeding perennials grow 4-6 inches tall and spread readily.
Benefits:
Thrives in shade where grass struggles
Early spring color
Edible flowers and leaves
Naturalizes easily
Best for: Shaded lawns, under trees, woodland gardens
Maintenance: Minimal; allow to spread naturally or contain edges as desired
Self-Heal (Prunella vulgaris)
This medicinal herb produces purple flower spikes above low rosettes of foliage from late spring through fall. It grows 4-8 inches tall.
Benefits:
Tolerates both sun and shade
Handles foot traffic moderately well
Long blooming period
Historically used for medicinal purposes
Best for: Mixed flowering lawns, meadow gardens
Maintenance: Mow periodically to encourage compact growth
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Low-growing yarrow varieties create feathery foliage with flat-topped flower clusters in white, yellow, or pink during summer. Height ranges from 6-12 inches depending on variety.
Benefits:
Extremely drought-tolerant
Deep roots improve soil structure
Attracts beneficial insects
Deer-resistant
Best for: Dry, sunny areas; meadow-style lawns
Maintenance: Cut back after flowering; tolerates infrequent mowing
English Daisy (Bellis perennis)
These cheerful flowers with white petals and yellow centers bloom prolifically in spring and fall. They grow 3-6 inches tall and spread readily.
Benefits:
Tolerates regular mowing
Cheerful, classic appearance
Self-seeds for continuous coverage
Handles foot traffic reasonably well
Best for: Cool-season lawns, mixed with grass, cottage-style gardens
Maintenance: Can be mowed with lawn; flowers will return between mowings
Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis)
This Australian native forms a dense mat covered with tiny blue star-shaped flowers in spring and summer. It grows only 1-3 inches tall.
Benefits:
Excellent for filling gaps between pavers
Tolerates light foot traffic
Stays very low
Loves moisture
Best for: Partially shaded areas, between stepping stones, near water features
Maintenance: Minimal trimming needed
Lawn Daisies and Microclover
Modern cultivars have been specifically bred for lawn integration:
Microclover (Trifolium repens var. Pirouette):
Smaller leaves than Dutch clover
Fewer flowers for those who don't want heavy bee activity
Excellent lawn companion
Miniature White Clover:
Very short growing habit
Blends seamlessly with fine fescue grasses
Regional Considerations
Cool-Season Regions (Northern climates)
Focus on: White Dutch clover, English daisies, violets, creeping thyme, chamomile
These varieties thrive with cooler temperatures and adequate moisture.
Warm-Season Regions (Southern climates)
Focus on: Yarrow, creeping thyme (heat-tolerant varieties), low-growing native wildflowers
Choose drought-tolerant species that can handle intense summer heat.
Transitional Zones
Mix cool and warm-season varieties for year-round interest, selecting the most adaptable species from both categories.
Establishing a Flowering Lawn
Site Preparation
Assess sunlight: Most flowering lawn plants need at least 4-6 hours of sun daily
Test soil: Many lawn flowers prefer well-drained soil with neutral to slightly alkaline pH
Remove existing vegetation: For full lawn replacement, smother grass with cardboard or use minimal herbicide application
Planting Methods
Seeding:
Most cost-effective for large areas
Best done in spring or fall
Mix flower seeds with sand for even distribution
Keep soil consistently moist until establishment
Plugs or transplants:
Faster establishment
Better for creating specific patterns
Space according to mature spread (typically 6-12 inches apart)
Water regularly for first 6-8 weeks
Overseeding existing lawns:
Ideal for adding clover or other compatible species to traditional grass
Mow grass short before broadcasting seed
Rake lightly to ensure seed-to-soil contact
Soil Preparation
Most flowering lawn plants thrive in moderately fertile soil. Over-fertilization encourages grass to outcompete flowers, so reduce or eliminate fertilizer applications when establishing a mixed lawn.
Maintenance Requirements
Mowing
Frequency: Reduce mowing to every 3-4 weeks or as needed for appearance
Height: Set mower to 3-4 inches to allow flowers to bloom between cuts
Timing: Avoid mowing during peak bloom periods to support pollinators
Watering
Most flowering lawns require less water than traditional turf once established. Deep, infrequent watering (1 inch per week) encourages deep root growth. Many varieties tolerate drought once mature.
Weeding
Dense flowering ground covers naturally suppress weeds. Hand-pull undesirable plants in the first year until flowering species establish.
Feeding
Minimal fertilization needed. Clover and other legumes fix nitrogen naturally. A light application of compost in spring may be beneficial but isn't essential.
Design Strategies
Full Lawn Replacement
Replace entire lawn with single species (like chamomile or creeping thyme) or mix of compatible low-growing flowers for meadow effect.
Mixed Grass and Flower Lawn
Overseed existing lawn with 5-10% clover or other low flowers. This maintains traditional lawn appearance while adding ecological benefits.
Patterned Plantings
Create paths of grass with flowering borders, or establish geometric patterns of different flower varieties for artistic appeal.
Transitional Edges
Keep central lawn area traditional while converting edges and difficult-to-mow areas to flowering ground covers.
Benefits of Flowering Lawns
Environmental:
Supports pollinators and beneficial insects
Reduces chemical use
Conserves water
Improves soil health through diverse root systems
Practical:
Lower maintenance requirements
Reduced mowing frequency
Better performance in challenging conditions
Cost savings on water and fertilizer
Aesthetic:
Seasonal color and texture
Pleasant fragrances
More natural, cottage-garden appearance
Unique curb appeal
Common Challenges and Solutions
Challenge: Flowers overtaken by aggressive grass Solution: Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; increase flower density; spot-treat invasive grass sections
Challenge: Uneven coverage or bare patches Solution: Overseed bare areas; improve drainage if soil stays waterlogged; add compost to compacted areas
Challenge: Excessive bee activity near high-traffic areas Solution: Choose microclover with fewer flowers; mow before flowers open; plant highly attractive flowers away from main pathways
Challenge: Neighbor or HOA complaints Solution: Start with small sections; maintain clean edges; educate about environmental benefits; check local regulations
Florist tips
Flowering lawns represent a beautiful compromise between traditional manicured turf and wild meadows. By selecting appropriate species for your climate and usage patterns, you can create a diverse, low-maintenance landscape that supports local ecosystems while providing functional outdoor space. Start small, experiment with different varieties, and gradually expand your flowering lawn as you discover what works best for your property.
Whether you choose a subtle integration of clover into existing grass or a dramatic transformation to a chamomile carpet, flowering lawns offer endless possibilities for creating sustainable, beautiful outdoor spaces that benefit both people and pollinators.
