Linaria maroccana Northern Lights (mixed)

RHS Plant Profile
toadflax [Northern Lights]
toadflax [Northern Lights] RHS
Annual Biennial

A bushy, upright annual producing spikes of snapdragon-like flowers to around 60cm tall in a range of colours through the summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Plantaginaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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
Trade

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a 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

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds

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