Overview
Linum flavum is a bushy annual biennial in the genus Linum, part of the Linaceae family, with semi-evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.3 metres tall. Linum flavum grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, rock garden, gravel garden and flower borders and beds.
About
Linum flavum, the golden flax or yellow flax, is a species of flowering plant in the family Linaceae, native to central and southern Europe. It is an erect, woody perennial growing to 30 cm (12 in) tall by 20 cm (8 in) broad, with dark green, semi-evergreen leaves, and terminal clusters of bright yellow, five-petalled flowers in spring. It is suitable for a rock garden or alpine garden. The cultivar 'Gemmell's Hybrid' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is hardy through an average UK winter (RHS H4). Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, rock garden, gravel garden and flower borders and beds. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing, east-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant out after last frost in fertile, well-drained soil.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Linum flavum
About the genus
Linum (flax) is a genus of approximately 200 species in the flowering plant family Linaceae. They are native to temperate and subtropical regions of the world. The genus includes the common flax, the bast fibre of which is used to produce linen and the seeds to produce linseed oil.
Wikipedia contributors, "Linum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Linum
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Linum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Linum flavum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Height
- 0.3 metres
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Gravel garden, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Linum flavum
- Propagation
- Seed, Stem-tip cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Slugs and snails, Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Linum flavum?
Linum flavum prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Linum flavum need?
Linum flavum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Linum flavum grow?
Linum flavum reaches a height of 0.3 metres.
Is Linum flavum hardy in the UK?
Linum flavum has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Linum flavum?
Seed, Stem-tip cuttings.