Linum narbonense
Linum narbonense is a Mediterranean blue flax valued for a dense mound and larger azure flowers. It is long blooming from May to July in full sun. Plants are compact and suit rock gardens and xeric borders. This species stands out for tidy habit and a longer lived clump than many blue flaxes. It performs best in full sun with fast drainage in zones 5 to 8.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Species
- Height × spread: 16 to 18 in (40 to 45 cm) × 16 to 18 in (40 to 45 cm)
- Bloom window: May to July
- Color & flower form: deep sky blue; funnel to saucer shaped clusters
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: zones 5 to 8
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown; Western and Central Mediterranean
- Awards/registration: Plant Select selection 2013
- Cut‑flower notes: Airy filler; expect about a week in preservative based on perennial flax cut flower trials.
- Pet safety: unknown
How it differs
- More mounded and fuller foliage than typical garden blue flax.
- Flowers are slightly larger and show a clean white eye.
- Often longer lived in dry, rocky soils.
- Handles moderate to xeric conditions once established.
Strengths
- Compact shape that stays neat
- Deer resistant and pollinator friendly
- Good heat and drought tolerance after establishment
- Low maintenance in lean soils
Care in one minute
- Site: full sun; light afternoon shade acceptable in hot interiors
- Soil: sandy or loamy with excellent drainage; neutral to alkaline
- Water: moderate during establishment; then deep but infrequent
- Feeding: none; avoid rich soils that reduce bloom
- Grooming: little deadheading needed; leave some seed for gentle renewal
Watch‑outs
- Needs sharp drainage; may decline in heavy clay
- Can reseed where happy
- Petals still shatter by afternoon in hot sun
Best uses (tags)
rock gardens, dry borders, meadows, pollinators, slopes
Provenance note
A wild species of the Western and Central Mediterranean; recognized in North American gardens through Plant Select trials beginning in 2013.
References
- Plant Select profile: Linum narbonense
- Kew Plants of the World Online: Linum narbonense
- City of Fort Collins plant page: Narbonne blue flax
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
We are a small independent group of flower lovers who research and review each guide using trusted horticultural and educational sources. Learn more about us