Upright Flax (Linum strictum)

Upright Flax

Linum strictum

Slender stems carry golden blooms like tiny sunlit stars. Herbaceous perennial; common name: Upright Flax.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
🌱

Plant Needs

☀️
Sunlight Full sun exposure for optimal flowering; tolerates partial shade in hot, arid climates
💧
Watering Water deeply when top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot
🌡️
Temperature Thrives in 15–25°C; tolerates light frost down to 5°C during dormancy
🔍

Characteristics

  • Leaf: Narrow, linear, gray-green leaves arranged alternately along rigid stems
  • Flower: Bright yellow, five-petaled blooms (1–2 cm diameter) with delicate texture
  • Stem: Slender, unbranched upright stems with a silvery-green hue
🛠️

Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist during active growth

Fertilization

Diluted balanced feed once every 2 weeks. Use low-nitrogen feed to prioritize flowering over foliage growth

Eggshell powder top-dress:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1 tsp per plant around the base; water in lightly to release nutrients
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage prolonged flowering
  • Cut back stems to basal growth after flowering to promote new foliage growth
  • Remove yellowing or damaged leaves to maintain plant health and airflow
⚠️

Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported adverse reactions

Humans: No known toxic effects on humans

📖

Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental garden border plant; cut flower arrangements