DESCRIPTION: The Linums or Flaxes form a large group of biennial, annual and perennial herbs and sub-shrubs. They form thick, upright tufts up to 2 feet high. The bluish-green foliage is linear to lanceolate and 1 to 2 inches long. The flowers are 1 to 2 inches across and come in shades of red, violet-blue, white with carmine eye, or rose pink. Each flower lasts a short time, but there are so many and they replace each other continually, over a long period. L. alpinum, the Alpine Flax, is a native of Europe. It is a pretty dwarf variety, growing 6 to 9 inches high. It has many thin, wiry stems that are covered with heath like leaves. They produce many large, pale blue flowers in June and July; it is great for growing in the rock garden. L. arboreum, the Yellow Tree Flax, is a native of Crete and forms a low, woody sub-shrub, 12 to 18 inches high; it isn't hardy in the North. There are several other kinds mentioned below in the varieties section.
POTTING: Flax will grow better in light, well-drained soil rather than one that is heavy. They need full sun.
PROPAGATION: Cuttings may be taken from the perennial kinds in August. They should be half-ripe, not too hard. They may be inserted in sand in a cold frame, which should be kept closed and shaded. They may also be rooted outdoors in sandy soil under a bell jar. Some, such as L. narbonnense, may be increased by division; rooted underground suckers may be detached in June. Seeds may be started in a 70-degree temperature, inside, 8 to 10 weeks before they are to be planted outside. They may be sown directly outside in their permanent positions as soon as the soil is warm.
VARIETIES: L. alpinum (Alpine Flax) & variety alba; L. narbonnense (Narbonne Flax); L. arboreum (Tree Flax); L. austriacum; L. flavum; L. grandiflorum (Crimson Annual Flax) & variety rubrum; L. monogynum; L. perenne; L. salsoloides; L. usitatissimum (the common Flax, which is used in the manufacture of linen); L. viscosum.