About
Linum arboreum, the evergreen flax, is a compact, evergreen shrub to 50 cm with small, blue-green leaves and bright-yellow flowers to 3 cm across in loose terminal clusters. A rewarding and ornamental shrub for a sunny, very well-drained rock garden, raised bed or pot.
About the genus
Linum, the flaxes, are annuals, biennials, evergreen or herbaceous perennials and shrubs with clusters of funnel-shaped, five-petalled flowers in blue, white or yellow over a long season in spring or summer. Excellent plants for sunny, well-drained borders and rock gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Alpine Rockery
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Mediterranean climate plants, City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden
Native toS Aegean
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, very well-drained soil in full sun. Protect from winter wet
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or autumn. Propagate by removing offsets in early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails and aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free