Linum

( LYE - num )

At-A-Glance Information

Linum, or Flax, is a genus of perennial and annual flowering herbaceous plants that need full sun and moderate water. The flowers are borne on upright stems and bloom over a long period, though each individual flower lasts just a day. These plants 

Linum Species and Varietals

The genus Linum is a member of the plant species Linaceae and includes 200 species. Flax growing zones vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Linum alpinum
These plants forms either recumbent or erect stems reaching between 4 and 20 inches long. Flowers are relatively large, and form in loose clusters of between one and eight blooms. Flowers are light blue to light lavender in color, and bloom from May through August. 

Linum arboreum (Tree Flax, Evergreen Flax, Shrubby Flax)
These plants are native to Greece, Crete, the Aegean Islands, and Turkey. These plants form subshrubs that reach between 9 inches and 2 feet tall when mature. Flowers are light yellow to yellow in color, and bloom in spring and summertime. These plants are occasionally grown as garden ornamentals. 

Linum bienne (Pale Flax, Narrowleaf Flax)
These plants are native to the Mediterranean and Europe and prefer to grow in low grasslands. Flowers are produced in late springtime, and remain on the plants through summertime, especially in mild weather regions of the world. Blooms are pale blue, streaked with a darker color.

Linum flavum (Golden Flax, Yellow Flax)
This species of Flax grows in zones 2-24 and is a perennial plant native to southern and central Europe. Grows 12-15 inches tall and a foot wide. The base is a bit woody, and grooved branches sprout green leaves. Flowers bloom in spring and summertime and are yellow, blooming in clusters.

Linum grandiflorum (Flowering Flax)
This is an annual species that is native to North Africa and grows well in zones 1-24. It reaches 2.5 feet tall and 12 inches wide, and is often included in wildflower mixes. Variety 'Rubrum' (pictured), also known as Scarlet Flax, has blooms in bright red.

Linum lewisii (Blue Flax, Prairie Flax, Lewis Flax)
This species of Flax is a perennial that grows in zones A1-A3, 2-12 and 14-18 and is native to the western areas of North America. It reaches 3 feet tall and has sky blue flowers. Does well in high elevations.

​Linum narbonense (Perennial Flax, Blue Flax)
This perennial flower is best in zones 3-24 and is characterized by its wiry stems. It is native to the Mediterranean and reaches 2 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide. Flowers are blue with a white eye and bloom in late spring and early summertime.

Linum perenne (Perennial Blue Flax, Lint)
This species is perennial and gorws well in zones 2-24; native to Europe and central Asia. It is a vigorous plant and reaches 2 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide, and has blue flowers that bloom in spring and summertime.

Linum strictum (Rigid Flax, Upright Flax, Upright Yellow Flax)
This species of flax produces rigid stems and is endemic to the Mediterranean region. Flowers are light golden-yellow and small, blooming between February and May in their native range. These plants are grown principally for their use in making linen cloth.

Linum suffruticosum (White Flax, Pyrenean Flax)
This species is native to Spain, and produces a small shrubby plant with green foliage and white flowers, though plants are variable in habit and flower color.

Linum usitatissimum (Flax, Common Flax, Linseed)
This species produces the material used to make traditional linen fabrics for use in bed sheets, underclothes, and table linens. The oil produced by these plants is called Linseed oil, an edible oil used in cooking as well as in many other manufactured goods and materials.

Caring for Linum

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: Linum
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 416, Linum
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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