returns in
273
days
Bloom calendar
Linum perenne
Species
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Species
- Height × spread: 12 to 24 in (30 to 60 cm) × 9 to 18 in (23 to 45 cm)
- Bloom window: late spring for 6 to 8 weeks
- Color & flower form: sky blue; five petaled, saucer shaped
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: zones 5 to 8
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown; native to Europe
- Cut‑flower notes: Stems are fine but usable; ASHS trials report about 9 days average vase life with preservative for L. perenne cuts.
- Pet safety: unknown
How it differs
- Introduced species commonly sold as blue flax in seed mixes.
- Tufted habit that stays compact in average garden soils.
- Heavy bloom in late spring; petals drop by afternoon on sunny days.
- Less tolerant of summer humidity than many border perennials.
Strengths
- Long bloom with minimal care in lean soils
- Good drought tolerance once established
- Deer resistant in many regions
- Self sows modestly to renew clumps
Care in one minute
Site: full sun; tolerate light afternoon shade in hot summers
Soil: well drained, low to average fertility; neutral to slightly alkaline
Water: low to moderate; avoid constant moisture
Feeding: none or very light; excess nitrogen reduces flower count
Grooming: shear lightly after peak to tidy; leave some seed for renewal
Watch‑outs
- Short lived; encourage self sowing to persist
- Petals shatter daily which is normal
- Root and crown rot in poorly drained clay
- Seedlings may appear beyond the original patch
Best uses (tags)
Provenance note
A European species long grown for ornament; widely naturalized in North America and noted for 6 to 8 weeks of bloom in late spring.
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder: Linum perenne
- ASHS HortScience 2022: Perennial Flax as a Cut Flower
Similar Flowers
Enjoying our flower guides? Add YourFlowersGuide as a preferred source on Google — it helps more readers find us.
Add to Preferred Sources