Blue Flax
Linum lewisii
Blue Flax (Linum lewisii) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 18 in tall and 12 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. CO native perennial; supports pollinators.
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water18 in tall and 12 in wideXeric / water-wiseZones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)Deer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: Skoch3, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 2: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 3: (c) Bob Walker, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 4: (c) Tom Hilton, some rights reserved (CC BY)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–9
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 18 in tall and 12 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~8–12 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- late spring, early summer, mid summer
- Bloom color
- blue
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- shortgrass prairie, foothills
Planting & establishment
Native perennial; deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Blue Flax good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Blue Flax is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Blue Flax get?
- It matures to about 18 in tall and 12 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Blue Flax?
- Space Blue Flax about 8 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 12 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Blue Flax hardy on the Front Range?
- Blue Flax is hardy in USDA 4–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Blue Flax need?
- It needs low water once established.
- Is Blue Flax native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Blue Flax deer-resistant?
- Blue Flax is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Blue Flax a good firewise plant near the house?
- Blue Flax is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- How long does Blue Flax bloom?
- Blue Flax blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
