Flax Linum 'Gemmell's Hybrid'
ABOUT
Linum 'Gemmell's Hybrid' is a type of flax known for its ornamental beauty. This cultivar displays a profusion of flowers that typically boast a striking color, often varying shades of blue, pink, or purple. Each flower consists of five delicate petals that are arranged in a classic, flat-faced flax bloom shape, inviting pollinators like bees to visit. The foliage of this cultivar is slender and fine-textured, giving it an airy and ethereal presence in the garden. The leaves are generally a fresh green hue, forming a perfect backdrop that accents the vibrant flowers. They grow in an attractive, lance-like shape, which adds a sense of line and form to its overall appearance. Branching habitually from the main stem, the plant forms a graceful, bushy shape full of flowers and foliage. The overall appearance of 'Gemmell's Hybrid' is one of delicate charm and an alluring, natural elegance that works well in cottage gardens, decorative borders, and when integrated with other meadow-like plantings. As a flax plant, it also carries the characteristic of being drought tolerant once established, fitting seamlessly into low-water garden designs or naturalistic settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Linaceae
Synonyms
Gemmell's Blue Flax, Perennial Blue Flax, Gemmell's Hybrid Flax
Common names
Linum 'Gemmell's Hybrid'.
ToxicityTo humans
Linum 'Gemmell's Hybrid' falls under the broader category of flax plants. Common flax plants are not considered highly toxic to humans. However, they do contain small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide into the body when ingested in large quantities. The symptoms of cyanide poisoning include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, headache, abdominal pain, seizures, and potential respiratory failure which could be life-threatening. It is generally rare for humans to consume enough parts of the flax plant to cause severe poisoning, but it is advisable to avoid ingesting it in large amounts.
To pets
Flax plants, which Linum 'Gemmell's Hybrid' is a type of, are considered to be of only mild toxicity to pets such as dogs and cats. The plants contain small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides, which when ingested in large quantities, can be metabolized into cyanide. Symptoms of toxicity in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, and more seriously, seizures or difficulty breathing if consumed in significant quantities. While fatalities are rare, it is important to prevent pets from ingesting large amounts of any part of the flax plant. If you suspect your pet has ingested a harmful amount, you should contact a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Enhances garden beauty with its vibrant flowers and foliage.
- Attracts Pollinators: Invites bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, requires minimal watering, conserving water resources.
- Low Maintenance: Generally requires little care apart from occasional pruning and deadheading.
- Suitable for Mixed Borders: Blends well with other plants, contributing to diverse and attractive garden designs.
- Adaptable: Can thrive in a variety of soil types, making it a versatile choice for different garden conditions.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers a seasonal display of flowers, often blooming in spring and summer.
- Fast Growth: Typically grows quickly, allowing for rapid garden establishment and filling in of spaces.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Edible Seed Oil - The seeds of Linum can be pressed to extract linseed oil, which is used in culinary applications such as seasoning cookware or as a dietary supplement.
- Textile Dye - The plant can be used to produce a natural dye for textiles, giving fabrics various shades of brown or yellow depending on processing.
- Paper Production - Fibers from the stems of Linum may be used in papermaking, producing high-quality paper products with a distinct texture.
- Floral Arrangements - The plant's delicate blue flowers make it an attractive addition to floral arrangements and bouquets.
- Landscape Design - Due to its aesthetic appeal, Linum can be incorporated into garden designs for color and foliage contrast.
- Wildlife Attraction - The flowers can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, thus supporting biodiversity in garden ecosystems.
- Arts and Crafts - Dried stems and flowers of Linum may be used in arts and crafts for decoration, such as in wreaths or dried floral displays.
- Erosion Control - The plant's root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and embankments.
- Edible Garnish - The flowers of Linum can be used as an edible garnish on salads and desserts to add a pop of color.
- Fish Poison - Historically, certain components of Linum have been used as a piscicide, a substance to poison fish, in traditional fishing practices (not recommended for ethical and environmental reasons).
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Flax is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Flax is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Flax (common name for Linum 'Gemmell's Hybrid') - Symbolizes domesticity and healing. Flax has been cultivated for thousands of years for its fibers, which are used to make linen, representing home and hearth. The flaxseed is known for its health benefits, which is why it is also associated with healing.
- Purity - With its delicate blue flowers, flax is often associated with purity and cleanliness, possibly due to its connection with fine, unblemished linen.
- Beauty - Flax flowers are visually appealing and often grown for ornamental purposes. Their beauty has therefore made them a symbol of aesthetic and physical appeal.
- Modesty - The flimsy, slender stems and the modest size of flax flowers often represent modesty in the language of plants.
- Charity - Linen made from flax has historically been used for charitable purposes, such as providing clothing and bedding to those in need, leading to an association with charity and altruism.
WaterFlax 'Gemmell's Hybrid', commonly known as perennial flax, should be watered deeply once a week, providing approximately 1 gallon of water per plant to encourage a deep root system. During hot, dry spells, watering frequency may need to increase to twice a week, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. It's crucial to avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases, instead applying water directly to the base of the plant. Over the winter months, reduce watering since the plant requires less moisture when it's not in active growth.
LightFor Perennial flax, the best light condition is full sun, meaning it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It should be placed in a spot in the garden that ensures ample sunshine throughout the day, as this will promote the best flowering and healthy growth. Avoid overly shady areas which could hamper its development and bloom.
TemperaturePerennial flax thrives in temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate a range down to about 20 degrees and up to 90 degrees. The ideal growing conditions for Linum 'Gemmell's Hybrid' involve keeping it in an environment that avoids extreme cold and does not overheat, as too much heat can stress the plant.
PruningPerennial flax benefits from pruning mainly to remove spent flowers, which encourages further blooming and prevents the plant from self-seeding excessively. Pruning should be done immediately after the first flush of flowers has faded, typically in early summer. Light pruning can be performed as needed throughout the growing season to maintain shape and encourage additional flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe perennial flax, including Linum 'Gemmell's Hybrid', thrives best in well-draining soil with added organic matter. A mix with loamy or sandy composition is ideal. Aim for a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Amend with compost or peat moss to ensure fertility and good drainage.
RepottingPerennial flax, like Linum 'Gemmell's Hybrid', typically does not need frequent repotting. Repot every 2-3 years or if you notice signs of the plant outgrowing its pot, such as roots circling the container's base or poking out of drainage holes.
Humidity & MistingPerennial flax, or Linum 'Gemmell's Hybrid', prefers average to low humidity levels, similar to what is typically found in a home environment. Avoid high humidity settings to prevent disease.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, moderate water, and well-draining potting mix.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, and regular watering until established.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA.
Life cycleLinum 'Gemmell's Hybrid', commonly known as a flax cultivar, begins its life as a seed, which, once sown and under suitable conditions of moisture and warmth, germinates and develops into a seedling. The seedling stage is marked by the growth of cotyledons and the beginnings of the first true leaves. As the seedling matures, it enters the vegetative stage, during which the plant experiences significant growth in size and form, producing the characteristic narrow leaves and stems. Following vegetative growth, the flax enters the flowering stage, producing blue or purplish flowers that are notable for their beauty. After successful pollination, typically by insects, the flowers develop into fruit capsules, usually containing several seeds. The life cycle completes when these seeds are mature and dispersed, ready to give rise to new plants the following growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Linum 'Gemmell's Hybrid', commonly known as a type of perennial flax, is most effectively propagated through seed. The ideal time for sowing flax seeds is in spring after the danger of frost has passed, ensuring that soil temperatures are conducive to germination. To propagate, seeds should be scattered over a well-draining soil mix and lightly covered with soil, no more than about 1/8 inch (approximately 3 millimeters) deep. The area should be kept moist but not waterlogged to encourage germination. Seeds typically sprout within 14 to 21 days. Once seedlings have developed several true leaves and have reached a sturdy stature, they can be transplanted to their final growing position in the garden, with spacing of about 12 inches (about 30 centimeters) to allow for adequate air circulation and growth.
