Overview
Linum grandiflorum, scarlet or crimson flax, is a slender, erect annual in the family Linaceae growing 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) tall. Slender, wiry, branching stems carry narrow, lance-shaped grey-green leaves 0.4-1 inch (1-2.5 cm) long, set alternately and giving the plant an airy outline. Through summer the branch tips open a long succession of broad, saucer-shaped flowers 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) across, with five overlapping satiny petals in deep crimson to scarlet, often with a darker central eye, surrounding dark stamens. Each flower lasts only a day, but new buds open in succession over many weeks. Small round seed capsules follow, holding the flat, glossy seeds typical of flax. Native to North Africa, it is grown as a fast, free-flowering hardy annual for borders, containers, and wildflower mixes. It grows in full sun on light soils and is short-lived, fading by late summer and relying on fresh sowings or self-sown seed to return. One limitation is that the single-day flowers and lax stems make it less suited to formal bedding than to relaxed, naturalistic plantings.
Native Range
Linum grandiflorum is native to North Africa, particularly Algeria, where it grows on open, sunny, stony, and disturbed ground. It is widely grown elsewhere as a garden annual and naturalises locally from sown seed.Suggested Uses
Grown in sunny borders, gravel gardens, containers, and annual wildflower mixes, sown to stand about 6-9 inches (15-23 cm) apart. The day-long crimson flowers give a long summer succession and draw bees and hoverflies.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'
Width/Spread6" - 9"
Colors
Bloom Information
Flowering runs through summer, roughly June to August, and often longer where spent plants are cleared and resown. Each saucer-shaped crimson flower opens for a single day, but the plant carries a steady succession of buds. Bees and hoverflies work the open flowers, which set small round capsules of flat seed.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
crimson to scarletFoliage Description
grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Linum grandiflorum grows in full sun on light, free-draining soil of low to moderate fertility, and tolerates poor and stony ground. It is sown directly where it is to flower, in autumn or early spring, as it resents root disturbance from transplanting. Thin, sunny conditions keep the stems sturdy, while rich soil and shade make them lax and shorten flowering. Plants are short-lived and may be sown in succession for a longer display. They need little water once established and no feeding. Aphids are the main pest, and damp, crowded conditions can bring stem rots.Pruning
No formal pruning is needed for this annual. Shearing spent plants lightly and resowing extends colour into late summer. Seed heads left in place self-sow for the following year.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons
✓ Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
autumn or early spring
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Plant Spacing
8 inches