Striped toadflax
Linaria repens · Plantaginaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant striped toadflax: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- June to September
- Adult size
- 20–40 cm tall, spreading habit
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Hardy to –15 °C
- Origin
- South-western Europe (Spain, Portugal)
- Soil type
- Well-drained, poor to moderate
Care
Exposure
Plant striped toadflax in full sun for generous flowering. It tolerates hot and dry situations with ease. A minimum of 6 hours of direct light daily is ideal.
Watering
Water moderately when planting and during establishment. Once established, this plant is very drought-resistant. In pots, let the substrate dry slightly between waterings to prevent rot.
Soil and drainage
Choose light, gravelly or sandy, well-drained soil. It dreads stagnant moisture. Amend if necessary with sand or gravel to improve drainage.
Pruning and maintenance
Pinch back young plants lightly to encourage denser branching. At the end of flowering, cut back moderately to stimulate a second flush of blooms. Clean up dead parts in autumn.
Fertilizing
A balanced fertilizer application in spring is more than sufficient. This plant prefers poor soils and thrives on little. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would encourage foliage at the expense of flowers.
Diseases and pests
Very robust, it mainly fears excess moisture which can cause root rot. At signs of rot, let it dry more. Pests generally leave it alone.
Did you know?
Striped toadflax owes its scientific name 'repens' to its tendency to creep and spread like a carpet. It is traditionally used in Mediterranean rockeries and dry gardens of south-western Europe, where it creates waves of delicately veined white-lilac flowers for several months.
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
- Ivy-leaved toadflaxCymbalaria muralis
- Spike speedwellVeronica spicata
- Heart-leaf Globe DaisyGlobularia cordifolia
- Talus slope penstemonPenstemon digitalis
- Coral plantRusselia equisetiformis
- Bunchleaf penstemonPenstemon heterophyllus
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.