Blue flax (Linum lewisii) LY-num loo-ISS-ee-eye Synonyms:  Linum perenne ssp. lewisii Genus:  Linum Blue flax is a short-lived perennial with blue-green needlelike leaves on graceful 2-foot-tall stems. Satiny sky blue flowers, borne on wiry stems, appear in late spring, last through mid-summer, and open fully only on sunny days. Small rounded seedheads form in summer.  Noteworthy Characteristics:  Discovered and documented by Meriwether Lewis, in whose honor it was named. Care:  Grow in lean, well-drained soil and full sun. Cut back to sedum-like basal growth in formal plantings or leave spent flower stems behind to blend in with a naturalistic setting. Propagation:  Sow seed in spring or autumn. Problems:  Stem rot, rust, wilt, anthracnose, damping off, slugs, snails, and aphids.

Overview

Height 1 ft. to 3 ft. Light Full Sun Only Moisture Medium Moisture Characteristics Self Seeds, Showy Seed Heads Bloom Time Summer Flower Color Blue Uses Beds and Borders Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Tolerance Deer Tolerant Type Perennials