The MGS Forum

Plants for mediterranean gardens => Annuals => Topic started by: Alisdair on July 08, 2011, 10:13:29 AM

Title: Scarlet flax
Post by: Alisdair on July 08, 2011, 10:13:29 AM

Linum grandiflorum 'Rubrum', or scarlet flax, is a useful annual for mediterranean gardens. In our hot unirrigated garden in southern Greece it appeared originally from a sowing of "Yosemite wild flowers" - it actually comes from Algeria rather than California, but is apparently naturalised in some places there. It has self-sown and reappeared the next year, in a dry sunny corner in poor soil. It looks great with the sun behind it, and grows to about 30cm (one foot), flowering for us in March. Its colour is good against the local wild sage, growing behind it in the picture below.

Title: Re: Scarlet flax
Post by: MikeHardman on July 27, 2011, 07:54:49 AM

Thanks for posting about this plant; saves me posting in the identification section  :)
I agree that it makes a lovely show. I concur that it will grow and flower on some very poor and dry sites.
I collected seed last year (in Tremithousa), and have been waiting to get a soil area sufficiently finished (no more JCBs, etc.) that I can sow it.

Title: Re: Scarlet flax
Post by: Jamus on January 30, 2015, 12:17:31 PM

This spring I grew linum grandiflorum "bright eyes" and really enjoyed it.

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5603/15583599656_bb6ec45392_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/pK52fG)

Title: Re: Scarlet flax
Post by: David Dickinson on January 30, 2015, 01:01:14 PM

I tried to grow this in pots on my balcony but had little success. But maybe Alisdair's posting holds the answer. Given that it flowers in March in Greece, perhaps I was sowing it far too late? I will try again because it does look a very attractive plant. Thanks Alisdair :-)

Title: Re: Linum grandiflorum 'Bright Eyes'
Post by: Alisdair on February 06, 2015, 06:39:32 PM

Jamus, that looks sensational! I'll have to get some seed, but I suspect given David D's experience best to sow it next October or November.

Title: Re: Scarlet flax
Post by: JTh on February 06, 2015, 10:35:43 PM

I once tried to grow 'Bright eyes' here in Norway, I don't think they did very well, as far as I rememeber.
Your photo is really beautiful!

Title: Re: Scarlet flax
Post by: Jamus on February 07, 2015, 07:14:04 AM

Thanks JTh. I put mine in a bit late I think, I'll be sowing earlier this year and more of it too. The year before last I grew the standard scarlet flax like you Alisdair. This spring I will grow both together as I have seed or both varieties.