Linum perenne
Perennial flax
Common names: Enduring flax, Blue flax
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Description
The perennial flax (Linum perenne) enchants from June to August with delicate sky‑blue flowers that open each morning and fade by the afternoon. Thin, flexible stems bear narrow, gray‑green leaflets, giving the garden a light, almost floating appearance. As a perennial, it is short‑lived—typically three to four years—but readily self‑sows, allowing it to persist on poor soil. It is well suited to rock gardens, gravel or prairie plantings and reliably attracts wild bees with its open flower cups. All plant parts are toxic if ingested, containing blue‑acidic compounds; plant it where children and pets cannot reach it.
Care instructions
Plant perennial flax in full sun on a warm site with well‑drained, somewhat poor soil. It does not tolerate waterlogging; add sand or grit to heavy soils. Water only during prolonged dry spells and fertilize sparingly or not at all—excess nutrients soften stems and make them brittle. Leave spent stems in place until autumn so seeds can disperse and new plants can grow the following year. A post‑flowering cutback in late summer keeps the clumps compact and encourages a second, lighter bloom.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
well-drained, lime-loving, lean, dry
Feeding
Light feeder
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