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 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 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 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.

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.

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Narbonne Blue Flax

Linum narbonense

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-30

Narbonne Blue Flax (Linum narbonense) is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 12 to 18 in tall and 12 to 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 to 18 in tall and 12 to 15 in wideXeric / water-wise

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 to 9
Water needs: low water
Sun: Best in full sun.
Soil: loam, sandy, well drained only
Soil pH: 6.5 to 8.0
Hail tolerance: high
Wind tolerance: high
Salt tolerance: moderate

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 12 to 18 in tall and 12 to 15 in wide
Planting spacing: ~10 to 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: Not rated
Colorado native: No

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

Planting & establishment

Deep water every 1 to 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 to 18 in tall and 12 to 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 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 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.
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.