Narbonne Blue Flax
Linum narbonense
Narbonne Blue Flax (Linum narbonense) is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 12–18 in tall and 12–15 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Larger, more vivid blue than native L. lewisii; flowers each morning all summer.
Plant Select®low water12–18 in tall and 12–15 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Linum narbonense
- Type
- Perennial
- Mature size
- 12–18 in tall and 12–15 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~10–15 in apart
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–9
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- loam, sandy, well drained only
- 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)
- Bloom color
- blue
- Bloom time
- late spring, early summer, mid summer
- Pollinator value
- moderate
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
Planting & establishment
Deep water every 1–2 weeks during establishment (first growing season), then water sparingly per Plant Select guidance.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Narbonne Blue Flax good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Narbonne Blue Flax is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Narbonne Blue Flax get?
- It matures to about 12–18 in tall and 12–15 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Narbonne Blue Flax?
- Space Narbonne Blue Flax about 10 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 15 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Narbonne Blue Flax hardy on the Front Range?
- Narbonne 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 Narbonne Blue Flax need?
- It needs low water once established.
- Is Narbonne Blue Flax native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Narbonne Blue Flax deer-resistant?
- Narbonne Blue Flax is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Narbonne Blue Flax a good firewise plant near the house?
- Narbonne 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 Narbonne Blue Flax bloom?
- Narbonne 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.
