Also known as Alpine Flax · Blue Flax · Garden Flax
Perennial flax (Linum perenne) boasts delicate, sky-blue flowers atop slender stems, offering a graceful display in sunny gardens from late spring through summer.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day for best flowering.
Drought-tolerant once established
25% intensity
Allow soil to dry between waterings. Avoid overwatering.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Hardy
50% intensity
Prefers moderate temperatures but is hardy in USDA zones 3-9. Tolerates heat well.
Low feeding
25% intensity
Light feeding in spring. Avoid over-fertilizing.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water consistently during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, perennial flax is drought-tolerant and prefers drier conditions. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially in poorly draining soil.
After flowering, deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming and maintain a tidy appearance. Cut back the plant in late fall or early spring to remove dead or damaged stems.
This encourages fresh growth and prevents the plant from becoming leggy.
Perennial flax can be propagated by seed sown in spring or fall, or by division of established clumps in spring or early fall. Seedlings may take a year or two to reach flowering size.
Division is a reliable method for maintaining desired traits.
Perennial flax is best grown in the ground and does not typically require repotting if planted in an appropriate location. If grown in a container, repot every 2-3 years in spring into a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil to prevent overcrowding.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Perennial Flax (Linum perenne)
Where Perennial Flax (Linum perenne) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Linaceae |
| Genus | Linum |
| Species | Linum perenne |
Similar in genus Linum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
