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Herbaceous Perennial

Linaria purpurea
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

purple toadflax

A vigorous perennial about 60-90cm tall, with erect stems clad in narrow, grey-green leaves, and bearing two-lipped violet-purple flowers 1.5cm long in slender terminal racemes in summer and early autumn; often seeds freely

Synonyms
Antirrhinum purpureum
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Purple Green Grey Silver
Autumn Purple Green Grey Silver
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Plantaginaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Linaria can be annuals, biennials or herbaceous perennials, with simple leaves and terminal racemes of 2-lipped flowers with conspicuous spurs

Name status

Correct

Plant range
C Italy to Sicily

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, light, well-drained soil; sandy soil is ideal. Full sun essential

Propagation

Propagate by seed in pots in a cold frame in early spring. Propagate by division or softwood cuttings in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

After flowering, plants can be cut back to prevent self-seeding

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews

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