Flax
– Linum.
Annual and Perennial kinds, both hardy.
The annual flax, Linum grandiflorum rubrum, grows
about a foot high, and bears single flowers of
a very fine bright crimson; its scent is one of
the few thoroughly nasty ones amongst garden flowers.
It will grow almost anywhere in an open situation,
and should be sown at the end of March in patches,
much more thickly than is allowable with other
annuals; it may be allowed to stand almost unthinned.
A second sowing late in May will give a succession
of bloom.
Among the perennial Flaxes, Linum perenne is a
slender-growing plant, bearing all the summer
small flowers of a clear pale blue;
Linum flavum has yellow flowers;
Linum Narbonense, bright blue;
Linum arboretum, evergreen spreading foliage,
yellow flowers.
All these should be planted in early spring.
To avoid the chance of hard weather after the
removal.
They are a little tender, and need light soil
with good drainage.
See also : Linum
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