Origin
Linum perenne L. var. lewisii (Pursh) Eat. & J. Wright, also known as Lewis blue flax, is a native perennial wildflower that is found throughout western North America. Its range extends from Alaska to Mexico and from the Pacific coast eastward into the Rocky Mountains.
Common Names
The common names of Linum perenne L. var. lewisii (Pursh) Eat. & J. Wright include Lewis blue flax, blue flax, and perennial flax.
Uses
Lewis blue flax is primarily grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping. It makes a beautiful addition to wildflower gardens and adds a splash of blue color to borders and beds. The plant is also useful for erosion control and is often planted along roadsides and hillsides to stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
The seeds of Lewis blue flax are edible and can be roasted and ground into a nutritious flour. Historically, the plant was also used medicinally by indigenous peoples to treat a variety of ailments, including colds, coughs, and sore throats.
General Appearance
Lewis blue flax is a perennial herb that typically grows to a height of 12 to 24 inches. The plant produces numerous blue flowers that bloom from late spring until early fall. The narrow, lance-shaped leaves are typically 1 to 2 inches long and are arranged alternately along the stem.
Lewis blue flax prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and can thrive in a variety of soil types, including sandy or rocky soils.
Overall, Lewis blue flax is a hardy and beautiful perennial wildflower that adds color and interest to any garden or landscaping project.
Light requirements
Linum perenne L. var. lewisii (Pursh) Eat. & J. Wright typically thrives in full sun but can tolerate light shade. When selecting a planting site, choose an area that receives six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. Too much shade can lead to weak stems, stunted growth, and fewer blooms.
Temperature requirements
This species of perennial flax is cold-hardy and can survive in temperatures as low as -40°F. Sub-freezing temperatures in the winter aid in breaking the seed dormancy. During the growing season, daytime temperatures between 60-75°F are ideal. If it gets too hot, the plant may go dormant in the summer months to preserve energy for future growth.
Soil requirements
Linum perenne L. var. lewisii (Pursh) Eat. & J. Wright grows best in well-drained soils with a pH between 5.5-8.0. It can tolerate a wide range of soil textures, from sandy to clay loam, but prefers a loamy soil with the addition of organic matter. The plant is not drought-tolerant, so it needs a consistently moist (but not waterlogged) soil to promote healthy growth and blooming. Consider incorporating a slow-release fertilizer at planting time to provide nutrients throughout the season.
Cultivation methods
Linum perenne L. var. lewisii (Pursh) Eat. & J. Wright, commonly known as blue flax, is a herbaceous plant that is easy to grow. It prefers well-drained, sandy soils and full sun exposure. The plant can be propagated through seed or by root division. Seeds can be sown directly into the ground in the spring or fall, and should be lightly covered with soil. Seedlings should be spaced at least 12 inches apart.
Watering needs
Blue flax requires regular watering during the growing season. The plant should be watered deeply once or twice a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Potted plants require more frequent watering, and the soil should be allowed to dry out partially between watering sessions.
Fertilization
Fertilization is not typically necessary for blue flax, as the plant can thrive in poor soils. However, adding a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring can be beneficial. It is important not to over-fertilize, as this can result in leggy growth and reduced flower production.
Pruning
Deadheading is recommended to prolong the blooming period of blue flax. This involves removing spent flowers before they go to seed. Pruning can also be useful to maintain the size and shape of the plant and to prevent self-seeding. Cut back the plant by half in late summer to promote a bushier growth, and to prevent the plant from becoming too leggy.
Propagation of Linum perenne L. var. lewisii (Pursh) Eat. & J. Wright
Linum perenne L. var. lewisii (Pursh) Eat. & J. Wright, commonly known as Blue flax, is a perennial plant that can be propagated through various methods.
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most commonly used method for propagating Blue flax is through seeds. The seeds can be sown directly on moist soil during the early spring season. They should be sown at a depth of 1/4 inch and spaced 12-18 inches apart. The seeds require good soil contact and moist soil for germination to occur within a few weeks.
Once the seeds have germinated and seedlings have grown to about 2-3 inches tall, they can be transplanted to their permanent location. Make sure the planting location has well-drained soil, full sun exposure, and good air circulation for improved growth.
Division Propagation
Another propagation method that can be used for Blue flax is division. This method involves splitting the parent plant into smaller sections and replanting them in other locations. It is best to divide the plant during the early spring season just before the new growth appears.
First, dig up the parent plant carefully, making sure not to damage the roots. Using a sharp knife, divide the plant into smaller sections, each with their own roots and stems. The sections can then be replanted into prepared soil in other locations.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another method that can be used for Blue flax. This method involves taking stem cuttings from the parent plant and replanting them in other locations. The best time to take cuttings is during the early spring season before the new growth appears.
Using a sterilized pruning shear, take cutting of about 4 inches long from healthy stems of the parent plant and remove any leaves on the lower half. Dip the cutting into rooting hormone and plant them in moist potting soil. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a well-lit location for a few weeks, and soon the cutting will produce new roots and begin to grow.
Propagation of Blue flax can be successful using any of the above methods, each with their own advantages and challenges. With the right care and conditions, the plant will thrive and produce beautiful blue flowers every year.
Disease and Pest Management for Linum Perenne L. var. Lewisii (Pursh) Eat. & J. Wright
Linum perenne L. var. lewisii (Pursh) Eat. & J. Wright, commonly known as Lewis flax, is a hardy perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Linaceae family. While it is relatively free from pests and diseases, it can be affected by some common problems that can significantly impact its growth and development. Proper disease and pest management techniques are, therefore, essential to keep the plant healthy and vibrant.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are a common pest that can attack the stems, leaves, and flowers of the plant. The damage caused by these pests includes yellowing and curling of leaves, stunted growth, and distorted flowers. To manage aphids, you can spray the plant with a jet of water or use insecticidal soap. You can also introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings to control the aphid population.
Spider Mites: Spider mites can infest the plant when the weather is hot and dry. They feed on the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To manage spider mites, you can increase the humidity around the plant by misting it regularly. You can also introduce natural predators such as predatory mites or thrips.
Leafhoppers: Leafhoppers are small, winged insects that can feed on the plant's sap and spread diseases. They cause yellowing and browning of leaves, stunted growth, and distortion of new shoots. To manage leafhoppers, you can spray the plant with insecticidal soap or use neem oil.
Common Diseases
Root Rot: Root rot is caused by a fungus that affects the plant's roots, causing them to decay. The symptoms of root rot include wilting of leaves, yellowing, and dropping of foliage. To manage root rot, you should avoid overwatering the plant and ensure that the soil has proper drainage.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the plant's leaves, stems, and flowers. It can cause the plant's leaves to curl and turn yellow, and the plant may stop growing. To manage powdery mildew, you can apply fungicides or use homemade solutions such as milk spray or baking soda spray.
Botrytis Blight: Botrytis blight is a fungal disease that affects the plant's flowers, causing them to turn brown and become covered with a fuzzy gray mold. The disease can also affect leaves and stems. To manage botrytis blight, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected plant parts and increase air circulation around the plant.
In conclusion, the key to successful disease and pest management for Linum perenne L. var. lewisii (Pursh) Eat. & J. Wright lies in early detection and prompt intervention. By observing the plant regularly and taking appropriate action, you can keep the plant healthy and thriving.
