Blue Flax

(Linum perenne)

Blue Flax (Linum perenne)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Linum perenne, commonly known as Blue Flax, is a semi-deciduous perennial herb native to a wide range of habitats including open woodlands, grasslands, and alpine regions in Europe. It typically grows to 90 centimeters (3 feet) tall from a woody root crown. Blue Flax has tough, unbranched stems and many spirally arranged, narrow lanceolate leaves that are 1–2.5 cm long. The plant is admired for its delicate pale blue flowers, which are 2.5–5 cm (1–2 in) in diameter, each with five petals, and bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers are particularly showy due to their profusion and tendency to open in the morning and close by midday.

Blue Flax is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for naturalistic plantings and wildflower meadows. It is also used in borders and as a ground cover due to its airy texture and attractive flowers. This plant prefers full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soil. While it tolerates medium amounts of water, it is quite drought-resistant once established. Blue Flax is not typically associated with serious diseases or pests, but it can be short-lived in gardens, often treated as an annual or biennial. It reseeds readily, ensuring its presence in the garden year after year.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb, Subshrub
  • Height: 1.5-2.5 feet
  • Width: 1-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Blue
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

native to a wide range of habitats including open woodlands, grasslands, and alpine regions in Europe

Other Names

Common Names: Perennial Flax, Lint, Ausdauernder Lein, Sinipellava, Lin Vivace, Overblijvend Vlas, Berglin, Su Gen Ya Ma

Scientific Names: , Linum perenne, Linum perenne var. perenne, Linum anglicum var. procumbens, Linum darmstadinum,

GBIF Accepted Name: Linum perenne L.