Linaria vulgaris
common toadflax
L. vulgaris is an erect perennial, spreading by runners, with stiff stems bearing narrow, pale green leaves that are arranged in a spiral. The pale yellow flowers, resembling small snapdragons in dense spikes, appear from late spring to mid-autumn
Other common names
bread and butterbrideweed
see morebridewort
butter and eggs
butter haycocks
continental weed
dragon bushes
eggs and bacon
eggs and butter
false flax
flaxweed
gallweed
gallwort
imprudent lawyer
impudent lawyer
Jacob's ladder
lion's mouth
North American ramsted
rancid
ransted
wild flax
wild snapdragon
yellow rod
yellow toadflax
Synonyms
Antirrhinum linaria
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Yellow | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Linaria can be annuals, biennials or herbaceous perennials, with simple leaves and terminal racemes of 2-lipped flowers with conspicuous spurs
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe, SW Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, light, well-drained soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame in early spring. Propagate by division or softwood cuttings in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Wildflower meadow
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
After flowering, plants can be cut back to prevent self-seeding
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Get involved
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