Overview

Linaria purpurea 'Canon Went' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Linaria, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Linaria purpurea 'Canon Went' grows best in full sun, and tolerates 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.

About

Linaria purpurea 'Canon Went' (purple toadflax) is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Plantaginaceae family. It grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 metre with a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun on south-facing aspects and can tolerate both exposed and sheltered conditions. It prefers well-drained sandy soils of any pH and provides interest during the summer and autumn seasons.

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 4.0Linaria

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Linaria

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Linaria purpurea 'Canon Went' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Clump forming
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.5-1 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow, Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Native to
Italy

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Linaria purpurea 'Canon Went'

Cultivation
Prefers well-drained sandy soils in full sun; tolerates exposed and sheltered sites; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Pruning
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
Propagation
Seed, Division, Softwood cuttings
Pest resistance
Aphids
Disease resistance
Powdery mildews

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Linaria purpurea 'Canon Went'?

Prefers well-drained sandy soils in full sun; tolerates exposed and sheltered sites; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogged conditions.

Where is the best place to plant Linaria purpurea 'Canon Went'?

Linaria purpurea 'Canon Went' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Linaria purpurea 'Canon Went' need?

Linaria purpurea 'Canon Went' grows best in sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

How do I prune Linaria purpurea 'Canon Went'?

Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.

How big does Linaria purpurea 'Canon Went' grow?

Linaria purpurea 'Canon Went' reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.

Is Linaria purpurea 'Canon Went' hardy in the UK?

Linaria purpurea 'Canon Went' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.

How do I propagate Linaria purpurea 'Canon Went'?

Seed, Division, Softwood cuttings.

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