Linaria repens

RHS Plant Profile
pale toadflax

Other common names

creeping toadflax, striped toadflax, gingroen gwelw

Synonyms

Linaria striata
Antirrhinum repens

Herbaceous Perennial

An herbaceous perennial with an erect, branching habit, growing up to 20 to 75cm in height with blue-green, linear leaves that have a fleshy texture measuring from 1.5 to 4cm in length. The flowers are a soft, pale lilac or lavender with darker purple veins running through the petals. Each flower is two-lipped, resembling a small snapdragon, and features a distinctive long spur at the back blooming from June to September

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
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
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Plantaginaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, light, well-drained soil in full sun. See Creating wildflower meadows for further advice

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
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens

Pruning

For more information see cutting back herbaceous perennials

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews