Genus Linum (Flax)

Linum lewisii Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner

LY-num Common Name: Flax

The genus Linum is comprised of annuals, biennials, perennials, shrubs, and subshrubs in 200 species grown for their colorful 5-petaled flowers, most often in shades of blue, yellow, or white. Use smaller species in a rock garden and larger ones in a border. Annual species make good filler plants.
Noteworthy characteristics: Long-flowering.
Care: Grow in a light, organically rich, well-drained soil in full sun, with protection from winter moisture. Some species are short-lived.
Propagation: Sow annual seeds where they are to grow in the garden, and sow seeds of perennial and shrubs in a cold frame, all in spring or autumn. Perennials can also be propagated from stem-tip cuttings in early summer. Take semi-ripe cuttings of sub/shrubs in summer.
Problems: Stem rot, rust, wilt, anthracnose, damping off, slugs, snails, and aphids.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Linum

Linum lewisii
(Blue flax) (1 user review)

Hardiness Zones:

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

Blue flax is a short-lived perennial with blue-green needlelike leaves on graceful 2-foot-tall stems. Satiny sky blue flowers, borne on wiry stems, appear in late spring, last through mid-summer, and open fully only on sunny days. Small rounded seedheads form in summer. 

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