Linum usitatissimum
Linseed, Common flax
- Height × spread
- 1.2m × 0.3m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Frost free greenhouse 1C & above (RHS H2)
- Flowers
- Summer
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is an ancient cultivar that is the parent of plants that are used to produce the oil that is known that is linseed as well as for their fibre which is used to make linen. The species has a wavy, yet upright growth habit with neat linear leaves held out horizontally form the stems. There are soft rounded blue flowers. Fields of flax form a blue mist of colour in the summer fields. This stands around 1.2m (4ft) in height with a 30cm (12in) spread.
- Flower colour
- Blue
- Foliage colour
- Grey
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Column
- Height
- 1.2m
- Spread
- 0.3m
- Season of interest
- Summer
- Flowers in
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Loam (normal), Poor soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Frost free greenhouse 1C & above (RHS H2)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Bee attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Summer
Summer - early · Outdoors
Feed a general fertiliser
Where plants have moderate needs for nutrients, they can simply be given a general feed, fairly early in the growth season so that the growth has plenty of time to harden off before the cold weather.
Give plants a general boost with the application of a general purpose fertiliser which is spread around the root area of the plant, with amounts as directed on the feed label.