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Perennial flax: Linum perenne

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Perennial flax: Linum perenne

Perennial flax bears clusters of funnel-shaped, pale-blue flowers from early to midsummer. The plant holds its thin blue-green foliage on grasslike stems, giving it a slender, graceful habit. 'Alba' bears white flowers.

Profile

Plant typeperennial
Hardiness zones5 to 8
Lightfull-sun
Height4 in. to 2 ft.
Spread up to 1 ft.
Habitclump-forming
Soil pHslightly-acidic-to-neutral-pH6.5-7
Soil moisturemoist
Bloom timefall,summer
Flower colorblue
Bloom size1 in. to 1 in.
Foliage colorblue-green
Foliage size1 in. to 1 in.

did you know?

The flowers of perennial flax, like those of a daylily, only last a single day, but because it is so free flowering, this European native provides blooms for several months.

general maintenance:

Protect from excessive winter moisture.

pests/diseases:

Fungal diseases may occur.

controls:

To control root rot, reduce watering and remove severely infected plants. To control rust and powdery mildew, avoid wetting foliage when watering and increase air circulation by thinning stems. Remove and destroy severely infected plants.

how to sow/plant:

Plant in spring or fall. Choose a sunny site with moist, well-drained soil and amend with well-rotted manure or compost. Set plants at the same depth they were in pot, spacing at a distance equal to their mature spread. Water after planting, and mulch to conserve moisture.

water and fertilize:

Monitor soil moisture all season. Feed with a balanced fertilizer, following label directions, at the beginning of the season and after flowering.

garden hint:

Allow this vigorous self-sower to set seed because it is often a short-lived perennial. This will help ensure its continued presence in your garden.

features:

  • Attractive Flowers
  • Attractive Foliage
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Disease Resistant

garden uses:

  • Flowerbed borders
  • Naturalizing

other uses:

    combine with:

    cranesbill lamb's ears and wormwood ( 'Powis Castle').

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