In the summer of 2005 I purchased a dwarf golden flax (Linumย flavum ‘Compactum’)ย plant in aย 10 cmย potย from a garden centre.ย  I was in a blue flax phase (still am, as all the plants I bought then have blithely reseeded themselves everywhere) and I was thrilled by the promise of the bright yellow colour of this new-to-me flax.ย  I just stuck it in the ground in full sun, up against a wall, near someย Salvia xย superba and a ‘Confetti Cherry Red’ย dianthus.

Fast-forward to summer 2012, and my dwarf golden flax was just LOADED with blooms this year…it’s finally finishedย now, but the blooming period is long (about six weeks, from mid-June to the end of July/early August).ย ย ย It’s one of my favourite perennials in the garden,ย soย cheerful andย delicate-looking.ย  It’sย a perfect, tidy mound, about 30 cm tall and 45 cm wide.ย ย I never have to do anything withย it and yet it performs like a star.ย  It’s amazingly drought-tolerant (which is great, because I am ghastly at watering regularly).ย  Dwarf golden flax doesn’t seem toย reseedย itself in the garden in the mad fashion of blue flax, so I haven’t had any volunteers pop up…to my dismay.ย  Maybe this year I should finally save some seed!

Are you growingย dwarf golden flax?ย 


9 responses to “Flowery spotlight: Dwarf golden flax.”

  1. Cathy Avatar

    I’m always on the lookout for drought-tolerant plants, so thank you for posting this! It looks really pretty!

    1. Sheryl Avatar

      It definitely has a lot going for it! ๐Ÿ™‚ It’s time I planted a few more of them!

  2. Jason Avatar

    Haven’t seen it growing in my area, but would definitely be interested in trying it.

    1. Sheryl Avatar

      The length of bloom-time is exceptional and it definitely brightens up the garden!

  3. Donna@Gardens Eye View Avatar

    a wonderful drought tolerant plant is worth its weight in gold…golden floers that are stunning…I will have to check it out

    1. Sheryl Avatar

      It’s a great plant in dry areas, and so pretty, too! ๐Ÿ™‚

  4. […] you looking for low-growing, flowering plants? How about dwarf golden flax? About this plant: http://j.mp/SzRMLo TwitterFacebook […]

  5. CoraJudd Avatar
    CoraJudd

    Walled garden, Southern California, dappled sunlight – Mine begins blooming about Christmas, peaks from the end of January to the end of February, tapers, and will throw of blooms lightly all summer. This was a lucky find for me also – it loves to bloom!

    1. Sheryl @ Flowery Prose Avatar

      I agree with you – I think they’re simply fabulous! (And super-versatile, too). I’m definitely going to put in a few more plants this spring! You’re fortunate in that you can get blooms at this time of year…we’re still buried under snow here. Thanks so much for your comment! ๐Ÿ™‚

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