About
Linum perenne, the perennial flax, is a semi-evergreen perennial to around 60 cm with narrow, blue-green leaves and pale-blue, saucer-shaped flowers about 2.5 cm across produced in summer. A graceful and long-flowering perennial flax for a sunny, well-drained border or wildflower meadow.
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
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toEurope
Care notes
CultivationGrow in very well-drained soil in full sun; heat tolerant and good for hot, dry locations
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or stem tip cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails and aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free