Linum perenne - Blue Perennial Flax Seeds

Linum perenne or perennial blue flax is a small, elegant plant. It forms a spray of fine, supple stems displaying an abundance of small, airy light blue flowers over delicate blue-green foliage. The long-lasting blooms appear tirelessly from July to September. Perennial flax thrives in full sun and light, stony, dry soils. Scatter the seeds directly in sunny beds and borders.

Blue perennial flax is native to Siberia, Europe and temperate Asia, belonging to the Linaceae family. This small, hardy perennial plant is fairly short-lived. It forms a clump of delicate stems garnished with evergreen bluish-green foliage, made up of small, very fine leaves. In full bloom, the small bushy clumps measure 50 cm tall for 20 cm wide. The flowering period lasts from July to September. Each flower has five petals, pale blue in colour with darker blue veining, and a satiny texture. Perennial flax is often treated as a biennial. It self-sows abundantly in light, sandy or stony soils.

Flax is unrivalled for bringing a natural lightness and grace to formal bedding schemes. Although the plants are often short-lived, lasting only a few years, they self-seed easily. Sow perennial flax freely in rock gardens, wildflower meadows, borders and flower beds in light soil. It combines well with the sword-shaped leaves of Iris germanica, filling the space between the stems and taking over once they have finished flowering. It also performs well in pots. Its easy-going elegance suits plants with grey foliage such as Senecio cineraria, wormwood, officinal sage or Phlomis, which require the same growing conditions.