About
Linaria triornithophora, the three birds toadflax, is an upright herbaceous perennial to 90 cm with whorls of oval to narrow green leaves. From midsummer to early autumn it bears loose clusters of two-lipped, purple and yellow flowers with purple spurs � sometimes pink with yellow markings. An attractive and long-flowering toadflax for a sunny, well-drained border.
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, Loam, Chalk
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toSpain and Portugal
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained sandy soil in full sun. Protect roots with a thick layer of plant clippings/bracken/wood chip to protect from frost in winter
PruningAfter flowering, plants can be cut back to prevent self-seeding
PropagationPropagate by division or take basal softwood cuttings in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews