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Beautiful Flax (Linum narbonense)

Linum narbonense, Beautiful Flax, is a perennial herb. It features sky-blue, saucer-shaped flowers, slender stems, and narrow leaves. It thrives in full sun and well-drai

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Full sun for best flowering.

Watering

Moderate, drought-tolerant once established.

Soil

Well-drained, sandy or loamy, neutral to alkaline.

Temperature

Tolerates heat and cold (hardy to -15°C).

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Low, only if soil is poor.

Care Requirements

Light

Full sun for best flowering.

Water

Moderate, drought-tolerant once established.

Soil

Well-drained, sandy or loamy, neutral to alkaline.

Temperature

Tolerates heat and cold (hardy to -15°C).

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Low, only if soil is poor.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Category

Flowering, Ornamental

Plant Place Type

Ground, Garden, Pot, Groundcover

Plant Environment

Outdoor

Lifespan

Perennials

Plant Height

0.3-0.6 m

Spread

0.3-0.45 m

Growth Rate

Medium

Dormancy

Winter

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Linear

Flower Size

3-5 cm

Optimal Sunlight Lux

75000

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JunPeak fruit · Aug
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths88
Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JunPeak fruit · Aug
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths88
Taxonomy
  • kingdomPlantae
  • divisionTracheophyta
  • classMagnoliopsida
  • orderMalpighiales
  • familyLinaceae
  • genusLinum
  • speciesLinum narbonense
Toxicity

Toxic for humans

No

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

No

Rating: 0/5

Edible

No

Not known to be toxic.

Additional Care Tips

Water Linum narbonense regularly during its first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, it becomes quite drought-tolerant, requiring less frequent watering. Allow the top few centimeters of soil to dry out completely between waterings, especially in cooler weather, to prevent root rot. Avoid overwatering, as this plant prefers drier conditions.

Prune Linum narbonense lightly after its main flush of flowers to encourage a second, smaller bloom and maintain a tidy shape. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prevent self-seeding and prolong the flowering period. In late autumn or early spring, cut back any dead or leggy stems to promote fresh, vigorous growth.

Linum narbonense can be propagated by seed or by softwood cuttings. Sow seeds directly outdoors in spring after the last frost, or indoors 6-8 weeks prior. For cuttings, take 5-10 cm non-flowering shoots in early summer, remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and plant in a well-draining mix.

Repotting is generally not a frequent requirement for Linum narbonense, as it prefers to be somewhat root-bound and is often grown in the ground. If grown in a container, repot every 2-3 years in early spring into a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix. Ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes.

FAQs

What kind of soil does Linum narbonense prefer?

Linum narbonense thrives in well-drained soil, preferring sandy or loamy textures. It tolerates a range of pH from neutral to alkaline and does not perform well in heavy, waterlogged conditions.

How much sun does Beautiful Flax need?

For optimal flowering and healthy growth, Beautiful Flax requires full sun exposure. This means at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Is Linum narbonense drought tolerant?

Yes, once established, Linum narbonense is quite drought tolerant. It requires regular watering during its first growing season but can withstand drier conditions thereafter, making it suitable for xeriscaping.

When does Linum narbonense bloom?

Linum narbonense typically blooms from late spring through mid-summer, generally from May to July. Its delicate blue flowers open daily, providing a continuous display.

How do I propagate Beautiful Flax?

Beautiful Flax can be propagated from seeds sown directly outdoors in spring or started indoors. It can also be propagated from softwood cuttings taken in early summer, which should be rooted in a well-draining medium.