About
Linnaea borealis, the twinflower, is a creeping, mat-forming shrub with small, glossy, dark-green leaves with buff undersides � the plant is only 8 cm high but can spread to a metre or more across. In summer, pairs of small, pale-pink, nodding, bell-shaped flowers are produced from the tips of leafy side shoots. A charming and delicate native plant for a shaded, moist, acid rock garden or peat bed.
About the genus
Linnaea are creeping, mat-forming shrubs rooting as they go, with neat, evergreen foliage and pairs of small, bell-shaped flowers in summer. Native to cool, coniferous and mixed woodland across the Northern Hemisphere.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesRock garden
Native toTemp. N. Hemisphere
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, reliably moist, acid soil in partial shade
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers outdoors in autumn, by taking softwood cuttings in early summer or by potting up rooted runners between autumn and spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free