Linum perenne L.
Blue flax
Perennial flax, or blue flax, is a graceful, short-lived perennial with fine, wiry stems and slender blue-green leaves. Through summer it carries loose sprays of delicate, sky-blue flowers, each with five rounded petals that open in succession and typically last only a day before being replaced, giving a long, airy display.
About
Perennial flax, or blue flax, is a graceful, short-lived perennial with fine, wiry stems and slender blue-green leaves. Through summer it carries loose sprays of delicate, sky-blue flowers, each with five rounded petals that open in succession and typically last only a day before being replaced, giving a long, airy display. In Britain it is a genuine native but a great rarity, found very locally on calcareous grassland in parts of England, and is more widely encountered in Europe's mountains.
It favours an open, sunny site on light, sharply drained and lime-rich soils, and dislikes wet or heavy ground. The nectar-rich flowers attract bees and other pollinating insects. With its slim habit and clear blue colouring it suits sunny borders, gravel plantings and drier wildflower or meadow mixes, where it weaves attractively among grasses and other perennials.
Also known as
perennial flax
Synonyms
Linum perenne pauciflorum · Linum perenne perenne · Linum perenne procumbens · Linum perenne roseum
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.