Overview
Linaria reticulata 'Red Velvet' is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Linaria, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Linaria reticulata 'Red Velvet' grows best in full sun, and tolerates sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs.
About
Linaria reticulata 'Red Velvet' is a bushy, deciduous cultivar of the Linaria genus, which includes annuals, biennials, or herbaceous perennials with simple foliage and terminal racemes of two-lipped flowers with prominent spurs. This cultivar thrives in full sun and suits south-facing, exposed or sheltered positions. It prefers well-drained sandy soils across a range of pH levels and is hardy to UK zone H6. 'Red Velvet' is ideal for city and courtyard gardens, coastal and cottage settings, wildlife gardens, flower borders, and underplanting of roses and shrubs, providing interest through summer and autumn.
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
- Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Linaria reticulata 'Red Velvet' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Linaria reticulata 'Red Velvet'
- Propagation
- Seed in pots in a cold frame in early spring; division or softwood cuttings in spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Linaria reticulata 'Red Velvet'?
Linaria reticulata 'Red Velvet' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Linaria reticulata 'Red Velvet' need?
Linaria reticulata 'Red Velvet' grows best in sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Linaria reticulata 'Red Velvet' hardy in the UK?
Linaria reticulata 'Red Velvet' 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 reticulata 'Red Velvet'?
Seed in pots in a cold frame in early spring; division or softwood cuttings in spring.
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