Linum Grandiflorum: Red Flax is a Wildflower That is Indigenous to North Africa and Southern Europe
RED FLAX
When red flax starts flowering in June, it seems as if it will never stop. Small pink flowers with darker centers continually open out into saucers almost 1V4 in wide, hence the attribute “large-flowered.” Several cultivars have been developed from the species, of which Linum grandiflorum ‘Bright Eyes’ is, in my opinion, by far the most beautiful. Sow the seed directly in the garden in April-May, preferably in well-drained, nutritive soil. Red flax likes a warm and sunny position. The stems, about 12-16 in tall, are suitable for cutting and drying. You can harvest your own seed from it and enjoy this magnificent plant for many more years to come.
Scarlet flax is a wildflower that is indigenous to North Africa and Southern Europe, but has become naturalized in other desert areas. It can be grown successfully in all regions in the United States in Zones 3 -10 and has escaped cultivation in some areas becoming a naturalized plant. Scarlet flax perfers loose sandy soils; however, it is highly adaptable to other types of soils as well as long as the soil is fast draining.
Linum grandiflorum red flax is drought tolerant and can be grown in full sun or light shade (blooms better in full sun). The cup-shaped, satiny sheened blooms are a brilliant velvety red and the petals are sometimes outlined in black and appear on long stalks. It reseeds itself and is easily started from seed. Plant the seeds in the fall or spring in the desired location. The plants do not transplant well. This wildflower can be used successfully in wildscapes, xeriscapes and rock gardens.
