Native to Europe, this semi-evergreen short-lived perennial is a member of the flax family, Linaceae, that includes 250 species. It grows 1-2′ tall from a deep taproot and has thin wiry unbranched stems bearing spirally arranged, lanceolate gray-green leaves that are up to 1.5″ long and usually droop downward. From late spring to mid summer, terminal clusters of up 10 nodding buds appear and open to flowers that are 3/4-1″ wide and have 5 sky blue petals with dark blue veins. Although each flower opens only once from morning until noon the number of flowers produced at any given time is so abundant a good display results. Plants are tolerant of drought, heat and humidity but are short lived, although they often reseed. They are valuable in borders and xeriscapes as well as in cottage, meadow, prairie, Mediterranean, and rock gardens, especially when massed. The genus name, Linum, is the ancient Latin name for the plant. The specific epithet, perenne, comes from the Latin words per meaning through and annus meaning year, and refers to the perennial nature of the plant.
Type: Semi-evergreen, short-lived perennial
Bloom: Sky blue flowers up to 1″ wide from late spring to mid summer
Size: 1-2′ H x 8-18″ W
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Average, dry to medium moist, well-drained
Hardiness: Zones 5-8
Care: Cut back by half mid way through flowering to extend bloom time.
Pests and Diseases: None of significance but slugs, snails and aphids can be a problem.
Propagation: Seed, stem tip cuttings
Companion Plants: White gaura, meadowfoam, sea thrift
Outstanding Selections:’Blue Sapphire’ (compact and vigorous)
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Karen Meyers