Linum lewisii
Blue Prairie Flax
Item #: 14202
Zones: 4a to 9b
Dormancy: Winter
Height: 24" tall
Origin: Canada, Mexico, United States
Pot Size: 3.5" pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L)
Linum lewisii is one of those widespread US prairie/grassland natives (Alaska south to Northern Mexico) that one questions why it isn't more widely seen in gardens. We absolutely love this perennial sub-shrub that forms a 2' tall x 2' wide clump of upright flexible stems, clothed in linear green leaves and topped from spring through summer with terminal cymes of 5-petaled pure blue flowers. In addition to being highly prized by gardeners, it's also a favorite of several native bee species. It was first discovered and later named for explorer Meriwether Lewis of Lewis and Clark fame.
Maintenance:
If there is any foliage still remaining in late winter, it is best cut to the ground to make room for the new spring foliage.
Growing Conditions:
It prefers very dry growing conditions, since it's native from just West of the Mississippi all the way to California. Although it's a high elevation plant (up to 12,000', it has thrived for us in the hot, humid Southeast US. It will grow in sandy, gravely, or clay soils as long as the drainage is good.
Garden Value:
We value blue prairie flax for its fine-textured foliage, and continuous production of pure blue flowers all summer.
Natural Impact:
Blue prairie flax is a bee pollinated native. Its seed are also a favorite of songbirds.
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Other Attributes
Genus: Linum
Flower Color: Blue
Leaf Color: Green
Container Role: Fillers , Thrillers
Garden Themes: Green Roofs
Other: Drought Tolerant Plants , North American Native Plants , Texas Native Plants , Xeriscaping Plants , Tony's Favorites , United States Native Plants