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.

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.

More in the Linaria genus

Browse all Linaria