Linaria Triornithophora a Perennial Known as Three Birds Toadflax or Pink Birds
THREE BIRDS TOADFLAX
Each bud of this species resembles a sleeping pigeon, with its head tucked under its feathers. And because the flowers are always grouped together in spikes of three, the botanist Linnaeus called the species “three birds” (trior-nithophora). As they awaken, purple flowers with a yellow lip unfurl. The plants grow to about 32 in in height and flower in late summer. They like well-drained soil and may survive the winter there in mild climates. In The Netherlands, this is unlikely, and it is better for us to sow annually in April-May.
A rare conversation piece, this delicate looking, yet remarkably sturdy plant invokes an image of long-tailed birds perched on a wire. Our introduction offers a soft look with pale pink blooms as opposed to the typical magenta. A sunny to partially shaded location with proper drainage will produce a healthy plant that flowers from late spring through late summer.
