About
Linaria purpurea, the purple toadflax, is a vigorous perennial to 60�90 cm with erect stems clad in narrow, grey-green leaves, bearing slender terminal racemes of two-lipped, violet-purple flowers 1.5 cm long in summer and early autumn. Often seeds freely, creating naturalistic drifts. A rewarding and long-flowering perennial for a sunny border or gravel garden.
About the genus
Linaria, the toadflaxes, are annuals, biennials or herbaceous perennials with simple leaves and terminal racemes of two-lipped flowers with conspicuous spurs. Excellent plants for sunny borders, gravel gardens and wildflower meadows.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeSand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toC Italy to Sicily
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, light, well-drained soil; sandy soil is ideal. Full sun essential
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