Linum perenne
perennial flax
Overview
Linum perenne is a short-lived herbaceous perennial in the Linaceae family, forming an airy clump 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) tall and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide. Slender, wiry stems carry many narrow, blue-green leaves about 0.5-1 inch (1-2.5 cm) long and are topped through early summer by loose sprays of sky-blue, five-petaled flowers 0.75-1 inch (2-2.5 cm) across. Each flower lasts a single day, often dropping its petals by afternoon, but the plant opens a steady succession of new blooms over several weeks. The slender stems sway in wind and give the clump a light, open texture. Linum perenne grows from a slender taproot and is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9. It needs full sun and light, well-drained soil; in wet, heavy, or shaded sites it grows weak and is prone to rot. Individual plants are short-lived, often persisting three to four years, but they self-seed freely and renew themselves where the ground is open. Flowers draw bees and hoverflies. Native to grasslands and rocky slopes across Europe and Asia, it is grown in borders, gravel gardens, wildflower meadows, and naturalistic plantings.
Native Range
Linum perenne is native to grasslands, meadows, and rocky slopes across much of Europe and temperate Asia. Closely related blue-flowered flaxes occur in western North America. It is grown in gardens throughout temperate regions.Suggested Uses
Grown in mixed borders, gravel gardens, wildflower meadows, and naturalistic plantings, spaced 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) apart. The airy habit and blue flowers suit informal and prairie-style schemes. It self-sows to fill open ground in sunny sites.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Flowers from late spring into midsummer, roughly May through July, opening a fresh succession of sky-blue blooms each morning. Individual flowers drop their petals within a day, often by afternoon. Cutting back after the first flush can extend bloom into late summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Blue-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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun and light, well-drained soil of low to moderate fertility. Water needs are low once established, and wet, heavy, or shaded ground causes weak growth and root rot. In USDA zones 4 through 9 it is cold hardy and dies back over winter. Individual plants are short-lived, often three to four years, but self-seed freely to renew the planting. Open ground around the clump lets seedlings establish. Lean soil and full sun keep stems firm and free-flowering.Pruning
Spent stems are sheared back after the first flush to tidy the clump and prompt later bloom. Plants are cut to the ground in late autumn or early spring. Self-sown seedlings can be left in place or moved while small.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerfall
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons