Overview
Linum rubrum is a bushy annual biennial in the genus Linum, part of the Linaceae family, with semi-evergreen foliage. Linum rubrum 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 rubrum is a bushy annual or biennial cultivar within the Linum genus, which includes a variety of plant types such as annuals, biennials, perennials, and shrubs. This semi-evergreen plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soils ranging from chalk to sand, tolerating acid to alkaline pH levels. Suitable for exposed or sheltered sites, it is hardy to UK zone H4 and is ideal for cottage gardens, patios, rock or gravel gardens, and flower borders. Linum rubrum is best planted after the last frost in fertile soil and can be propagated by seed or stem-tip cuttings.
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 rubrum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- 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 rubrum
- 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 rubrum?
Linum rubrum prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Linum rubrum need?
Linum rubrum 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.
Is Linum rubrum hardy in the UK?
Linum rubrum 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 rubrum?
Seed, Stem-tip cuttings.
More in the Linum genus
- Linum capitatum
- Linum catharticumfairy flax
- Linum dolomiticum
- Linum flavumCrimean flax
- Linum monogynumNew Zealand native flax
- Linum narbonense 'Gentianoides'
- Linum nodiflorum
- Linum perenneperennial flax
