Overview
Linum perenne is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Linum, part of the Linaceae family, with semi evergreen 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. Linum perenne grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include border, ground cover and rock garden.
About
Linum perenne, the perennial flax, blue flax or lint, is a flowering plant in the family Linaceae, native to Europe, primarily in the Alps and locally in England. It has been introduced into North America, where it can be found on mountain ridges, wooded areas, and in sandy plain habitats of the sagebrush steppe, growing near sagebrush and rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus). It is a slender herbaceous perennial plant growing to 90 centimetres (3 ft) tall from a fairly woody root crown, with tough, unbranched stems, and many spirally arranged narrow lanceolate leaves 1–2.5 cm long. The flowers are blue, 2.5–5 cm (1–2 in) in diameter, and have five petals. Mature plants reach roughly 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying semi evergreen foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and west-facing and south-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Linum perenne
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
- West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Linum perenne size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Border, Ground cover, Rock garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Linum perenne
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Linum perenne?
Linum perenne prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Linum perenne need?
Linum perenne 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 perenne grow?
Linum perenne 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 Linum perenne hardy in the UK?
Linum perenne 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 perenne?
Seed, Division.
More in the Linum genus
Browse all Linum →Last updated