Red flax Linum grandiflorum
ABOUT
Linum grandiflorum, commonly known as the flowering flax or red flax, is a striking plant well-known for its showy appearance. The plant has a delicate and slender stem that often bears few branches. It is adorned with lance-shaped leaves that are soft green in color and arranged spirally along the stem, giving it an airy and graceful look. The most captivating aspect of the flowering flax is its blooms. The plant produces large, five-petaled flowers that demand attention. These flowers are usually a vibrant shade of red, although some varieties may have blossoms in shades ranging from crimson to rose, adding a brilliant splash of color to gardens. Each petal is slightly overlapped by the next, creating a cup or bowl-like shape that is simple yet elegant. These conspicuous flowers are frequently visited by a range of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are attracted to the plant's nectar. The blooming period of the flowering flax often spans several weeks, creating a long-lasting display of its remarkable flowers. After pollination, the plant forms spherical seed capsules that hold the potential for future growth. These seed capsules add another layer of interest to the plant's appearance as they change in color and texture as they mature. Overall, the flowering flax is an ornamental plant valued for its striking flowers and the delicate texture its foliage adds to the landscape. It is often used in garden compositions for its ability to provide a dramatic visual statement, especially when planted in groups or as a part of floral borders.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Linaceae
Synonyms
Flowering Flax, Red Flax, Scarlet Flax
Common names
Linum grandiflorum var. rubrum, Adenolinum grandiflorum, Linum rubrum.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
0.5-1 feet (15-30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
North Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Linum grandiflorum, commonly known as red flax, is often grown for its attractive, vibrant flowers which enhance garden aesthetics.
- Drought Resistance: Red flax is known for its ability to withstand periods of low water availability, making it suitable for xeriscaping and arid environments.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care in terms of watering, fertilizing, and pruning, making it an easy choice for novice gardeners or those with limited time.
- Pollinator Attraction: Red flax flowers can attract bees and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems and pollination.
- Fast Growth: Red flax has a relatively quick growth cycle, allowing gardeners to enjoy its blooms soon after planting.
- Soil Adaption: It adapts well to a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soils.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: Linum grandiflorum, also known as flowering flax, can be used to create a natural dye due to the pigments present in its petals.
- Insectary planting: The plant can attract beneficial insects to gardens, acting as a form of natural pest control by supporting predator or pollinator populations.
- Biodegradable pots: The fibers from flowering flax are strong and can be molded into biodegradable seed-starting pots.
- Photography and art: Due to its vibrant red flowers, it is often used as a subject in photography and botanical illustration.
- Educational tool: Flowering flax can be used in educational settings to teach about the life cycle of plants and the process of pollination.
- Crafting: The stems and flowers can be used in dried floral arrangements or for making potpourri.
- Soil improvement: Planting flowering flax can help break up heavy soils and improve soil structure over time as the roots decay.
- Cover crop: Flowering flax can be used as a temporary cover crop in agriculture to protect soil from erosion between planting seasons.
- Fabric printing: The flowers can be used to naturally print patterns onto fabrics through a process called bundle dyeing or eco-printing.
- Aesthetic enhancement for structures: It can be grown to beautify fences or walls with trailing plants or as part of a green roof system.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Red Flax (Linum grandiflorum) is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Red Flax is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty: Linum grandiflorum, commonly known as the Red Flax, often symbolizes beauty due to its elegant and delicate flowers.
- Domestic Symbol: Flax plants in general have a long history of being cultivated for linen, thus symbolizing domesticity and human industry.
- Health: Historically, flax has been associated with health and healing because of its seeds, which are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Purity: The clear and simple form of the flower may represent purity and cleanliness.
- Wealth: Flax was once a valuable commodity, so it can symbolize wealth and prosperity.
WaterThe Red Flax, commonly known as Linum grandiflorum, prefers moderate to low watering. Water the Red Flax when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this means watering once every week, but this can vary depending on the climate and whether the plant is grown indoors or outdoors. When watering, do so thoroughly until excess water drains out of the bottom of the pot. Be cautious not to overwater, as Red Flax does not like to sit in wet soil. Aim for approximately 8-16 ounces of water per week dependent upon the size of the plant and environmental conditions.
LightRed Flax thrives in full sunlight conditions. The best spot for Red Flax is a location where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. An east or south-facing window is ideal if growing Red Flax indoors, while an open garden bed with clear exposure to the sky is perfect for outdoor plants.
TemperatureRed Flax, with its common name as Red Flax, benefits from temperate conditions and does best in temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 40 degrees Fahrenheit and can handle up to around 80 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures outside of its ideal range can stress the plant.
PruningPruning is not typically necessary for Red Flax. However, if you want to encourage bushier growth or remove spent flowers, you can lightly trim the plant after its flowering season. The best time for pruning Red Flax is in late summer or early fall, after the bloom period. Remove only the dead or yellowing parts to maintain the plant's health and appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe red flax prefers a well-draining soil mix with gritty sand or perlite and loamy soil, at a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingRed flax doesn't require frequent repotting as it tends to grow better when slightly root-bound, repot every 2-3 years or as necessary.
Humidity & MistingRed flax thrives in average room humidity conditions; it does not require any special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place red flax in bright light, avoiding direct hot sunlight.
Outdoor
Plant red flax in full sun, spacing 6-12 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
Red flax is suitable for USDA zones 5-9.
Life cycleLinum grandiflorum, commonly known as the flowering flax or red flax, begins its life as a seed, which upon finding suitable soil and environmental conditions, germinates and sprouts into a seedling. The seedling develops true leaves and with adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients, it enters a vegetative growth stage, during which it builds a strong root system and foliage. As the plant matures, it enters the reproductive stage, where flowers bloom from the elongated stems, displaying vivid red petals that are particularly attractive to pollinators. After pollination, the flowers produce capsules containing seeds, marking the fruiting stage. The seeds mature within the capsules, and once fully developed, the capsules dry out and release the seeds to the environment for dispersal, completing the cycle. If conditions are unfavorable, the seeds may enter dormancy until the following season when the growth cycle can start anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Linum grandiflorum, commonly known as flowering flax, is typically propagated by seed. The best time to sow flowering flax seeds is in early spring after the danger of frost has passed, to ensure that the plants have a full growing season ahead. To propagate, scatter the seeds lightly onto a well-draining soil mix, covering them with a thin layer of soil about 1/8 inch (about 3 mm) deep. Water the seeds gently but thoroughly, and keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which usually occurs within 14 to 21 days. Once the seedlings are a few inches tall and sturdy enough to handle, they can be thinned out or transplanted to their final growing positions, ensuring they are spaced about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation.
