Linaria triornithophora
three birds toadflax
An upright herbaceous perennial to 90cm, with whorls of oval to narrow green leaves and from midsummer to early autumn, bears loose clusters of two-lipped purple and yellow flowers with purple spurs. Sometimes flowers are pink with yellow markings.
Other common names
three birdsthree birds flying
Synonyms
Linaria triornithophora 'Pink Birds'Antirrhinum triornithophorum
see moreLinaria triornithophora pink
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Yellow Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Purple Yellow Pink | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- 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
- Spain and Portugal
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained sandy soil in full sun. Protect roots with a thick layer of plant clippings/bracken/wood chip to protect from frost in winter
Propagation
Propagate by division or take basal softwood cuttings in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Wall side borders
- Flower borders and beds
- Cut flowers
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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