Linaria purpurea
purple toadflax
A vigorous perennial about 60-90cm tall, with erect stems clad in narrow, grey-green leaves, and bearing two-lipped violet-purple flowers 1.5cm long in slender terminal racemes in summer and early autumn; often seeds freely
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 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 | Green Grey Silver | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Purple | Green Grey Silver | ||
Autumn | Purple | Green Grey Silver | ||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- C Italy to Sicily
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, light, well-drained soil; sandy soil is ideal. Full sun essential
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
- Coastal
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- 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
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