Introduction
Linum lewisii Pursh var. saxosum Maguire & A. Holmgren, commonly known as Lewis flax or blue flax, is a beautiful wildflower found in parts of North America. It is a subspecies of Linum lewisii, which is named after Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.Origin and Distribution
This plant is native to western North America, including parts of Canada and the United States. It grows in a variety of habitats, including dry slopes, rocky outcrops, and meadows, and can be found at elevations ranging from sea level to over 10,000 feet.Common Names
This plant is commonly known as Lewis flax or blue flax due to its striking blue flowers. It also goes by a variety of other names such as Lewis blue flax, mountain flax, wild blue flax, and Rocky Mountain flax.Description
Linum lewisii Pursh var. saxosum is a perennial plant with a woody stem that can grow between 1 and 2 feet tall. It has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that grow alternately along the stem. The plant produces beautiful, showy blue flowers in the summer, which are approximately 1 inch in diameter and have five petals. The flowers have a bright yellow center and a delicate fragrance.Uses
Lewis flax has a variety of uses. Historically, it has been used to make textiles, twine, and rope. The plant also has medicinal properties and has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including stomach problems and skin conditions. Additionally, this plant is an attractive addition to gardens and can be used in landscaping to add color and texture. It is also an important food source for pollinators such as butterflies and bees. In conclusion, Linum lewisii Pursh var. saxosum, also known as Lewis flax, is a beautiful plant native to western North America. It has a variety of uses, including historically being used for textiles and rope-making, medicinal purposes, and as a decorative element in gardens and landscaping. Its stunning blue flowers make it an important food source for pollinators and a gorgeous addition to any natural landscape.Growth Conditions for Linum lewisii Pursh var. saxosum Maguire & A. Holmgren
Light: The Linum lewisii Pursh var. saxosum Maguire & A. Holmgren plant prefers full sun. This means that it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Plants grown in insufficient sunlight tend to be weak, leggy, and have poor blooms.
Temperature: The Linum lewisii Pursh var. saxosum Maguire & A. Holmgren is a hardy plant that can withstand high temperatures up to 90°F and extreme temperatures as low as -50°F. It is known to thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 8.
Soil: Linum lewisii Pursh var. saxosum Maguire & A. Holmgren prefers a well-draining soil with a pH range between 5 and 8. They grow best in sandy or rocky-silty soils that provide adequate drainage. The soil needs to be kept moist but not wet as these plants do not like to be in standing water. A lack of sufficient drainage can lead to root rot or fungal diseases.
Fertilizer: The Linum lewisii Pursh var. saxosum Maguire & A. Holmgren plant does not require regular fertilization. Adding too much fertilizer can lead to excessive growth that weakens the stems, and hinders blooming. However, it can be helpful to add fertilizer to the soil when planting, and once a year in the spring with an all-purpose organic fertilizer.
Water: The Linum lewisii Pursh var. saxosum Maguire & A. Holmgren plant requires moderate watering. Make sure to water it thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry slightly before watering again. During periods of drought, the plant needs more water to keep its roots evenly moist. Overwatering can lead to root rot and disease.
Propagation: The Linum lewisii Pursh var. saxosum Maguire & A. Holmgren can be propagated from seed, cuttings, or division. Seeds can be sown directly in the garden in the spring season. The plants are known for self-seeding, so you may find that they start to grow in unexpected places. Cuttings can be taken in summer, but they have a low success rate. Division can be done in spring, once the plant has begun to grow.
Cultivation Methods
Linum lewisii Pursh var. saxosum Maguire & A. Holmgren is a hardy perennial plant that grows well in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 to 9. For successful cultivation, plant it in well-draining soils with full sun exposure, preferably in early spring or fall. Space them at least 12 inches apart to avoid overcrowding.
Watering Needs
Ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. The frequency of watering varies depending on the weather and other factors; check the soil for dryness before watering. During hot summer months, it may require daily watering, while during winter, watering once a week should be sufficient.
Fertilization
To maintain the soil fertility, regular application of organic fertilizers is recommended. Choose fertilizers that contain essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply fertilizers during the growing season to promote optimum growth and flowering.
Pruning
Linum lewisii Pursh var. saxosum Maguire & A. Holmgren does not require regular pruning. However, deadheading spent flowers is recommended to promote further flowering. Cut back your plant to the ground during winter dormancy to encourage healthy new growth in the following spring.
Propagation of Linum lewisii Pursh var. saxosum Maguire & A. Holmgren
Linum lewisii Pursh var. saxosum Maguire & A. Holmgren, commonly known as Lewis flax or blue flax, is a herbaceous perennial plant that can be propagated through several methods:
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest and most common ways to propagate Linum lewisii var. saxosum is through seed propagation. Collect the seeds from the dried seed pods in late summer or early autumn. Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix in pots or seed trays, and keep the soil moist. Germination typically occurs within 2-3 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location once they have developed their second set of true leaves.
Cutting Propagation
Linum lewisii var. saxosum can also be propagated through cuttings. Take 4-6 inch cuttings from new growth in the early summer, and remove the lower leaves from the cutting. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone, and plant it into a pot with a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil consistently moist, and provide bright, indirect light. In a few weeks, the cutting should form roots and can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Division Propagation
Linum lewisii var. saxosum can also be divided in the spring when the plant starts to actively grow. Carefully remove the plant from the soil, and gently separate the roots into smaller sections. Make sure that each section has a good amount of roots and foliage. Replant the divisions in a well-draining soil mix, and keep the soil consistently moist. The divisions should root and start to grow within a few weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Linum lewisii Pursh var. saxosum Maguire & A. Holmgren
Linum lewisii Pursh var. saxosum Maguire & A. Holmgren, commonly known as Lewis flax or wild blue flax, is a relatively hardy plant that is relatively resistant to most pests and diseases. However, there are a few issues that growers should be aware of:
Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting Linum lewisii Pursh var. saxosum Maguire & A. Holmgren is root rot. This is caused by several fungi in the Phytophthora and Pythium genera, which can thrive in moist soil conditions. Symptoms include stunted growth, wilting, and yellowing of the leaves. To manage root rot, ensure that the soil is well-drained, avoid overwatering, and consider using a fungicide.
Another disease that can occasionally affect Lewis flax is powdery mildew. This is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery growth on the leaves. It is most common in humid conditions. To manage powdery mildew, ensure good air circulation around the plant, trim back any crowded growth, and consider using a fungicide.
Pests
One of the most common pests affecting Linum lewisii Pursh var. saxosum Maguire & A. Holmgren is the spider mite. These tiny insects feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Severe infestations can lead to plant death. To manage spider mites, wash the plant with a strong stream of water, treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs.
Finally, the Lewis flax can sometimes be attacked by the flax bollworm. This insect feeds on the developing seed pods, causing them to distort and drop prematurely. To manage flax bollworm, consider using a natural insecticide such as Bacillus thuringiensis or spinosad, or handpick the affected pods.
By being vigilant for these pests and diseases and taking appropriate measures to manage them, growers can ensure healthy growth and a beautiful display of flowers from their Linum lewisii Pursh var. saxosum Maguire & A. Holmgren plants.
