Overview
Linaria vulgaris is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Linaria, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Linaria vulgaris grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and 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.
About
Linaria vulgaris, commonly known as common toadflax, is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the Plantaginaceae family. It has a columnar upright habit, growing to a height and 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- or west-facing aspects and tolerates both exposed and sheltered conditions. It prefers well-drained loam or sandy soils across a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline. Linaria vulgaris is notable for its interest in spring 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 4.0 — Linaria
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Linaria
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Linaria vulgaris size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 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
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Linaria vulgaris
- Propagation
- Seed, Division, Softwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Linaria vulgaris?
Linaria vulgaris prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Linaria vulgaris need?
Linaria vulgaris grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Linaria vulgaris grow?
Linaria vulgaris reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Linaria vulgaris hardy in the UK?
Linaria vulgaris 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 vulgaris?
Seed, Division, Softwood cuttings.