Linum Perenne Seeds (Blue Flax)

Unlike the annual flax, *Linum perenne* is a fully hardy perennial that returns year after year, forming a delicate clump of needle-like foliage. From early summer to autumn, it produces continuous clouds of exquisite, sky-blue saucer flowers that look like tiny ribbons floating on the breeze.

This plant is all about movement and texture. The wiry, fine stems and open habit allow the wind to pass through effortlessly, creating a misty, azure haze that softens the entire flower border. It is essential for naturalistic, cottage, or prairie-style planting.

Why Your Garden Needs 'Blue Flax'

We love this plant for its incredible flowering time. As a perennial, it out-blooms almost everything else in the border, consistently producing new flowers every morning for months on end. It is also incredibly elegant, providing that rare, true-blue colour that lifts whites, pinks, and yellows nearby.

It is exceptionally tough. Once its deep taproot is established, it becomes highly drought-tolerant, making it perfect for dry banks, gravel gardens, or seaside planting.

Understanding the Plant: What is a Hardy Perennial?

Blue Flax is a Hardy Perennial.

This means it forms a permanent clump in your garden, returning bigger and better every spring.
The Taproot: The plant grows a long taproot that anchors it deep into dry soil. This makes it drought-tolerant but also means it severely dislikes being moved.
Top Tip: Shear it back! When the first major flush of flowers starts to fade (usually mid-summer), shear the plant back lightly with garden scissors. This tidy-up often encourages a fresh flush of foliage and a new wave of blooms.

Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow

Blue Flax is easy to germinate but must be sown carefully to avoid later transplant shock.

🌱 Germination:
Sow indoors Feb-April or directly outdoors April-June. Sow on the surface of moist compost and **cover very lightly** with a thin sprinkling of vermiculite or soil (the seeds need light to germinate). Germination takes 14-21 days.

Where to Sow:
It demands full sun and excellent drainage. It thrives in poor, sandy, or gritty soil. Avoid rich, heavy clay, especially if it gets waterlogged in winter.

Care While Growing:
Linum is very low maintenance. It needs no staking and very little water once established. In autumn, leave the delicate brown seed heads on the plant for beautiful winter structure.

Plant Specifications

Here is a quick reference guide to the key features.

My Recommended Garden Companions

Blue Flax is beautifully delicate. Pair its cool colour with hot tones or textured planting:

• 🔥 Gaillardia 'Bicolour Goblin': For a dynamic, drought-tolerant pairing. The fiery red and yellow daisies of the Gaillardia (orange) create a vibrant complementary contrast to the azure blue of the Flax. Both love baking in the sun.
• 💜 Lavender 'Munstead': For a cool, scented border. The grey-green foliage and soft purple spikes of the Lavender provide a structural, aromatic backbone for the delicate Blue Flax to weave around.

📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Sow in spring/autumn. Plants establish the first year and flower profusely the second.

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)