Purple toadflax
Linaria purpurea · Plantaginaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant purple toadflax: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Blooming
- July to September
- Adult size
- 60 to 90 cm tall × 30 to 45 cm wide
- Foliage
- Deciduous, fine and linear
- Hardiness
- Hardy to -15 °C
- Growth
- Fast
- Origin
- Mediterranean, southern Spain
- Soil type
- Well-draining, rather dry
Care
Exposure
Plant your linaria in full sun to encourage abundant, colorful blooming. It tolerates light partial shade but will flower less generously. Avoid heavily shaded areas.
Watering
Water moderately after planting until established. Once settled, linaria tolerates drought well thanks to its deep roots. Reduce watering in summer and avoid excessive winter moisture.
Soil
Choose light, well-draining soil that is poor to moderately fertile. Linaria fears waterlogging and thrives in dry terrain. Improve heavy soil with sand or gravel.
Pruning and Cleaning
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to extend blooming until frost. In late winter, cut back dry stems to ground level to encourage vigorous regrowth in spring.
Fertilizing
Linaria is undemanding and generally needs no fertilization. A modest application of compost in spring is more than enough. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would promote foliage at the expense of flowers.
Diseases and Pests
Linaria is generally very robust. It may occasionally suffer from mildew in excessively humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent these issues.
Did you know?
Purple linaria owes its scientific name 'purpurea' to its elegant rose-mauve flowers that resemble miniature snapdragons. Native to Mediterranean regions, it has naturalized in many parts of the European continent, conquering wild gardens and rocky slopes with surprising ease. It's a plant beloved by pollinators, particularly bees that seek its abundant nectar.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.