Overview

Linaria purpurea is a columnar upright perennial in the genus Linaria, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Linaria purpurea grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, wildflower meadow, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs. It is native to Italy and Sicilia.

About

Linaria purpurea or purple toadflax is a purple-flowered plant in the plantain family Plantaginaceae, endemic to central and southern regions of Italy including Sicily.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Linaria purpurea

About the genus

Linaria is a genus of almost 200 species of flowering plants, one of several related groups commonly called toadflax. They are annuals and herbaceous perennials, and the largest genus in the Antirrhineae tribe of the plantain family Plantaginaceae.

Wikipedia contributors, "Linaria", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Linaria

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Linaria

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H6

Plant details

Linaria purpurea size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial

Habit

Columnar upright

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow, Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Native to

Italy, Sicilia

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Linaria purpurea

Cultivation

Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; tolerates poor soils; drought tolerant once established; can self-seed readily

Pruning

Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness

Propagation

Seed, Division, Softwood cuttings

Pest resistance

Aphids

Disease resistance

Powdery mildews

Frequently asked questions