Linaria purpurea
toadflax
Linaria purpurea adds vertical interest with tall, slender spikes of violet-purple flowers that resemble miniature snapdragons. It thrives in full sun and well-drained, sandy or moderately fertile soils, where it’s low-maintenance and drought tolerant once established.
Narrow grey-green foliage lines the stiff, upright stems, with flowers blooming from summer into early autumn. Bees and butterflies are highly attracted to its nectar-rich blooms, making it a great addition to pollinator-friendly planting schemes. Ideal for gravel gardens, sunny borders, or naturalistic planting styles.
Though short-lived, it self-seeds readily and returns reliably year after year, and also works well as a cut flower and suits informal or cottage garden settings.
Narrow grey-green foliage lines the stiff, upright stems, with flowers blooming from summer into early autumn. Bees and butterflies are highly attracted to its nectar-rich blooms, making it a great addition to pollinator-friendly planting schemes. Ideal for gravel gardens, sunny borders, or naturalistic planting styles.
Though short-lived, it self-seeds readily and returns reliably year after year, and also works well as a cut flower and suits informal or cottage garden settings.
How to care for Linaria purpurea:
Plant in full sun and well-drained soil—it's tolerant of poor conditions and thrives in dry or gravelly sites. Water regularly until established, but avoid overwatering, especially in heavy soils. Avoid over-feeding, as this can lead to soft, leafy growth with fewer flowers.
Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering, but leave a few faded spikes to encourage self-seeding. Cut back hard in late autumn or early spring to maintain a tidy shape and promote fresh growth. Supports pollinators and is ideal for borders, wildlife gardens, and informal planting schemes.
Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering, but leave a few faded spikes to encourage self-seeding. Cut back hard in late autumn or early spring to maintain a tidy shape and promote fresh growth. Supports pollinators and is ideal for borders, wildlife gardens, and informal planting schemes.
Sowing instructions:
Sow seeds shallowly in pots filled with a good seed compost in early spring and keep in a cold frame until they germinate. Pot on when they are large enough to handle and gradually harden off before planting them out at 30cm (12in) intervals, taking care not to damage their roots.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.9m
Eventual spread:
0.3m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
approx 100 seeds
£2.99
available to order from autumn
Unavailable
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