Lesser butter and eggs
Linaria supina · Plantaginaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant lesser butter and eggs: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Linaria supina
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
- Plant type
- Annual or biennial herbaceous plant
- Adult height
- 10 to 30 cm
- Flowering
- May to September
- Flower color
- Pale yellow to cream white
- Hardiness
- Moderately hardy (frost-sensitive in cold climates)
- Origin
- Mediterranean basin and steppic regions
Care
Light Exposure
Linaria supina needs a sunny exposure for optimal flowering. Place it in full sun for at least 6 hours a day. It tolerates partially shaded locations but will flower less abundantly.
Watering
This plant is very tolerant of drought once established. Water moderately and regularly during growth, then space out watering. Avoid excess water which promotes root rot, particularly in winter.
Soil
Linaria supina prefers light, well-drained and poor soils. It adapts to sandy, rocky or chalky terrain. Soil too rich in organic matter makes the plant soft and less floriferous.
Pruning and Pinching
Pinch young stems to encourage branching and a bushier shape. Remove spent flowers regularly to extend flowering. Light cutting back after the first flush of flowers can restart flowering production.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced fertilizer very diluted once a month during active growth. Reduce applications in summer and suspend in winter. Over-fertilizing can weaken the plant and decrease flowering quality.
Diseases and Pests
Linaria supina is generally very robust. Watch out for humid situations which can promote fungal diseases. Pests are rare; in case of occasional attack, spraying with soapy water is usually sufficient.
Did you know?
Linaria supina was once classified in the Linaria genus with the "wild snapdragons" before recent taxonomic revisions. Its name "supina" means "prostrate" in Latin, referring to its often spreading growth habit on the ground. This small Mediterranean herbaceous plant has naturalized in several temperate and semi-arid regions of Europe where it colonizes poor and rocky terrain.
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.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.