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-wiseZones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)Deer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: "Linum narbonense 1 (Espagne)" by Ghislain118 http://www.fleurs-des-montagnes.net is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
- Photo 2: "Linum narbonense 8" by Franz Xaver is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
- Photo 3: "Linum narbonense 4" by Franz Xaver is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
- Photo 4: "LINUM NARBONENSE - MORROCURT - IB-041 (Lli)" by Isidre blanc is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
- Photo 5: "Linum narbonense" by tsiegretlop is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
- Photo 6: "Linum narbonense 7" by Franz Xaver is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–9
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- 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)
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 12–18 in tall and 12–15 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~10–15 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
- moderate
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
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.
