Linum grandiflorum (Flowering Flax)

Compact and easy to grow, Linum grandiflorum (Flowering Flax) is a graceful, erect, branching annual boasting a profusion of saucer-shaped, dark-eyed, scarlet flowers, 1.5 in. across (4 cm) in summer.

Compact and easy to grow, Linum grandiflorum (Flowering Flax) is a graceful, erect, branching annual boasting a profusion of saucer-shaped, dark-eyed, scarlet flowers, 1.5 in. across (4 cm) in summer. Blooming for weeks, they are borne in lax open clusters atop slender stems clad with small, narrow gray-green leaves. One of the most beautiful of all the flaxes, Flowering Flax is perfect for the front of a sunny border and looks stunning when planted in small drifts.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its reliability and good performance.
  • Grows up to 12-24 in. tall (30-60 cm) and 6-12 in. wide (15-30 cm). Self-sows without becoming a pest.
  • Thrives in full sun in light, moderately fertile, humus-rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant.
  • Great for border fronts, cottage gardens or wildflower gardens.
  • No serious insect or disease issues. Keep an eye out for slugs, snails and aphids. Deer resistant.
  • Cut back after flowering.
  • Propagate by seed sown in-situ in spring or autumn.
  • Native to North Africa.

Requirements

Hardiness 2
– 11

Heat Zones 1
– 8

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Annuals
Plant Family Linum – Flax
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spread 6"
– 1'
(15cm
– 30cm)
Spacing 6″
– 12″
(15cm
– 30cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Drought
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage