Overview
Linum usitatissimum 'Empress'PBR is a bushy annual biennial in the genus Linum, part of the Linaceae family, with semi-evergreen foliage. Linum usitatissimum 'Empress'PBR 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 usitatissimum 'Empress' is a bushy cultivar of the Linum genus, which includes annuals, biennials, perennials, and shrubs known for their clusters of funnel-shaped flowers blooming through spring and summer. This semi-evergreen plant thrives in full sun and is suited to south, east, or west-facing aspects in both exposed and sheltered locations. It prefers fertile, well-drained soils such as chalk, loam, or sand with a range of pH from acid to alkaline. Hardy to UK zone H4, 'Empress' is ideal for cottage gardens, patios, rock or gravel gardens, and flower borders.
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 usitatissimum 'Empress'PBR 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 usitatissimum 'Empress'PBR
- 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 usitatissimum 'Empress'PBR?
Linum usitatissimum 'Empress'PBR prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Linum usitatissimum 'Empress'PBR need?
Linum usitatissimum 'Empress'PBR 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 usitatissimum 'Empress'PBR hardy in the UK?
Linum usitatissimum 'Empress'PBR 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 usitatissimum 'Empress'PBR?
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
