Flax has been grown for centuries for oil, fiber and ornament. The perennial Linum perenne and the annual, L. usitatissimum, common flax, were grown for fiber to make linen, cordage and rope. Of the approximately 150 species of flax, 3 or 4 species can be grown in the garden as ornamental perennials. The flowers of flax have five petals and may be blue, white, yellow or red, although the red form is an annual plant. Each flower lasts only one day, but so many flowers are produced that the bloom time usually lasts for 4-6 weeks. Flax requires light, well drained soil and full sun or partial shade. Well drained soil is a must for this plant; it will not tolerate wet feet and will not return the following year if the soil is too wet.

Golden flax, Linum flavum, has many yellow flowers produced in clusters of up to 50 flowers. Height of the species is 15-18", but a dwarf cultivar 'Compactum' is also available which only reaches 6-9" in height. The foliage is an attractive lime green and the plants are hardy to Zone 5.

Narbonne flax, L. narbonense, is a long-lived garden perennial having funnel-shaped, blue flowers with a clear, white center. Height ranges from 18-24", although the cultivar 'Heavenly Blue' is a dwarf strain reaching only 12" in height. 'Heavenly Blue' is a good rock garden plant with wiry stems that will not fall over in rain or wind. Hardy to Zone 5.

Perennial flax, L. perenne, can sometimes be seen growing along the roadsides as an escaped non-native plant. It has sky blue flowers blooming in spring on nodding, 12-18" tall, wiry stems with 1" long, narrow, alternate leaves. However, don't confuse perennial flax with chicory; it also is commonly found blooming along the roadsides from late June into July with blue flowers on 1-3' tall, almost leafless stems. Ornamental cultivars of L. perenne include 'Album' a white flowered form, 'Lewisii' with light blue flowers and 'Saphir' with brilliant blue flowers and a compact growing habit. Groups of several plants grown together make an attractive display in the perennial garden.