Overview of Linum perenne L. ssp. lewisii (Pursh) Hultén
Linum perenne L. ssp. lewisii (Pursh) Hultén, commonly known as blue flax or Lewis flax, is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Linaceae. This plant is commonly found in the western part of North America, including dry prairies, open woods, and mountain slopes.
Appearance of Linum perenne L. ssp. lewisii (Pursh) Hultén
The blue flax plant grows up to a height of one to two feet and spreads out to a width of one to two feet. It has slender stems that are covered with bright green leaves that are narrow and approximately one inch long. The flowers of Linum perenne L. ssp. lewisii (Pursh) Hultén are light blue and have five petals that are approximately half-an-inch in diameter. The plant blooms from June to August, and its flowers are pollinated by bees and other insects.
Uses of Linum perenne L. ssp. lewisii (Pursh) Hultén
The blue flax plant has been used historically by native people as a source of fiber for making clothing and twine. The fibers of this plant are long and strong, which makes them suitable for weaving. Today, the plant is mainly used for ornamental and landscaping purposes. It is commonly grown in gardens and as a ground cover in areas with poor soils. The flowers of the plant are also used for their aesthetic value in floral arrangements.
Cultivation of Linum perenne L. ssp. lewisii (Pursh) Hultén
The blue flax plant is relatively easy to grow and is tolerant of dry and poor soils. It prefers a sunny location and well-drained soil. The plant can be grown from seed or propagated from cuttings. It is important to note that the blue flax plant is not suitable for areas with hot and humid summers. In addition, the plant is relatively short-lived and may need to be replaced every few years.
Light Requirements
The Linum perenne L. ssp. lewisii (Pursh) Hultén requires full sun to partial shade for its optimal growth. It can withstand short periods of shade, but extended periods might affect its flowering and overall development. Therefore, it is crucial to plant it in an area with ample exposure to sunlight or, at least, six hours of direct sunlight a day.
Temperature Requirements
The Linum perenne L. ssp. lewisii (Pursh) Hultén thrives in temperate climates, particularly those with cool summers and mild winters. It can tolerate temperature fluctuations, ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 30°C (86°F), but the best results are often achieved when the plant is grown in areas with a daytime temperature of 20°C (68°F) and nighttime temperature of 10°C (50°F). A frost-free growing season is also essential for the optimal growth of Linum perenne L. ssp. lewisii (Pursh) Hultén.
Soil Requirements
The Linum perenne L. ssp. lewisii (Pursh) Hultén prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It grows best in soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. It can tolerate different soil types such as sandy soils, loamy soils, and clay soils, as long as they are well-drained. It is recommended to amend the soil with compost before planting to ensure proper drainage and nutrient availability. Excessive watering should be avoided to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged or saturated.
Cultivation methods
Linum perenne L. ssp. lewisii (Pursh) Hultén, also known as Lewis flax, is a hardy perennial plant that can grow up to 2 feet tall. It is a member of the Linaceae family and is native to North America. When cultivating Lewis flax, it is important to choose a well-drained soil location that receives full sun exposure. This plant needs a soil pH between 5.5 and 7.5.
Sow the seeds of Lewis flax in early spring, lightly covering them with soil. Keep the soil moist until germination occurs, which usually takes 14-21 days. Thin the seedlings once they grow to about 2 inches tall, leaving a space of about 6-8 inches between each plant.
Watering needs
Linum perenne L. ssp. lewisii (Pursh) Hultén requires moderate watering. It is important to keep the soil moist during the growing season, but avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Water the plants deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. In dry weather, it is advisable to keep the soil consistently moist.
Fertilization
Lewis flax does not require much fertilization. However, it is recommended to apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or a 14-14-14, during the early stages of growth, to encourage healthy root development. Avoid over-fertilizing, especially with nitrogen-based fertilizers, which can cause the plant to grow too fast and become weak.
Pruning
Linum perenne L. ssp. lewisii (Pursh) Hultén does not require regular pruning. However, deadheading the spent flowers will help encourage new blooms. Cut back the plant to about half its height in late fall to promote new growth. It is important to remove any damaged or diseased foliage promptly, to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Linum perenne L. ssp. lewisii (Pursh) Hultén
Linum perenne L. ssp. lewisii (Pursh) Hultén, also known as blue flax, is a perennial native to western North America. Propagation of this plant can be done by seed or division.
Propagation by seed
To propagate Linum perenne L. ssp. lewisii by seed, collect seeds from the plant in the fall. The seeds need to be stratified for at least 30 days before planting. Plant the stratified seeds in the spring in well-drained soil. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate, which can take 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings have a few pairs of true leaves, they can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Propagation by division
Propagation of Linum perenne L. ssp. lewisii by division is best done in the spring. Divide the plant by digging up the entire clump and cutting it into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one stem and a portion of the root system. Replant the divisions in well-drained soil at the same depth as the original plant. Water thoroughly and keep the soil consistently moist until new growth appears.
Disease Management for Linum perenne L. ssp. lewisii (Pursh) Hultén
Linum perenne L. ssp. lewisii (Pursh) Hultén, also known as Lewis flax or blue flax, is a hardy perennial plant that is relatively disease-resistant. However, there are a few diseases that may affect the plant, including:
- Stem and Root Rot: This disease is caused by soil-borne fungi and may cause wilting and yellowing of the leaves, stem and root decay, and plant death. To manage this disease, remove infected plants and avoid overwatering or planting in poorly-drained soils.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease is characterized by a white powdery growth on the leaves and stems, which can cause stunted growth and leaf drop. To prevent powdery mildew, maintain good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. If the disease occurs, remove infected plant parts and treat with a fungicide if necessary.
Pest Management for Linum perenne L. ssp. lewisii (Pursh) Hultén
While Linum perenne is generally pest-resistant, there are a few insect pests that may attack the plant, including:
- Aphids: These small pear-shaped insects can cluster on the undersides of leaves and suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and curled leaves. To manage aphids, remove infested plant parts and spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Thrips: These tiny insects feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant, causing distorted growth and silvery stippling. To manage thrips, remove infested plant parts and spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
It is important to monitor Linum perenne plants regularly for signs of disease or insect infestations, remove infected plant parts promptly, and maintain good cultural practices, such as providing adequate water and fertilization, to prevent stress in the plants and reduce the risk of pest and disease problems.
