Linum grandiflorum Desf.
Crimson Flax
Crimson flax, also sold as scarlet or red flax, is a fast-growing annual native to North Africa, particularly Algeria and Tunisia. It forms slender, upright and branching stems clothed in narrow, waxy, lance-shaped leaves.
About
Crimson flax, also sold as scarlet or red flax, is a fast-growing annual native to North Africa, particularly Algeria and Tunisia. It forms slender, upright and branching stems clothed in narrow, waxy, lance-shaped leaves. Its appeal lies in the flowers: shallow, saucer-shaped blooms of brilliant red to deep scarlet, often with a darker eye, each made up of five silky petals that catch the light over a long summer season.
This is a cultivated garden annual rather than a British native, though stray plants occasionally appear from sown ground; grown from seed each year, it rarely persists. It does best in an open, sunny position on light, free-draining soil. The bright, open flowers are easily worked by bees and other insects, and it is a popular component of annual seed mixes, hot-coloured borders and cut-flower patches where a quick splash of vivid colour is wanted.
Also known as
Flowering Flax · Red Flax · Scarlet Flax · flowering-flax
Synonyms
Adenolinum grandiflorum · Linum grandiflorum purpureum · Linum grandiflorum rubrum
In our seed mixes
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.