About

A low-growing, bushy annual producing many stems of small, snapdragon-like flowers in summer; flower colours include shades of pink, purple, yellow and red and some flowers may be bicoloured.

About the genus

Linaria can be annuals, biennials or herbaceous perennials, with simple leaves and terminal racemes of 2-lipped flowers with conspicuous spurs

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

CultivationGrow in a well-drained soil in full sun
PruningAfter flowering, plants can be cut back to prevent self-seeding
PropagationPropagate by seed in pots in a cold frame in early spring. Propagate by division or softwood cuttings in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews