Linum arboreum, called tree flax, evergreen flax and shrubby flax, is a species of Linum native to Greece, including Crete and the Aegean Islands, and Turkey. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit as an ornamental.
Tree flax has strong resistance to disease and is generally not susceptible to illnesses. Regarding care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs little watering, and larger plants usually don't require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they finish blooming. Tree flax is suitable for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or a deck, and does not demand much plant-care experience.
How to keep Linum Arboreum.
Light
Tree flax is native to open habitats, such as sunny meadows and forest edges, where light is plentiful. It does best in Full Sun but can also tolerate Partial Sun, adapting well to a range of sunlight conditions.
Temperature
Tree flax is highly adaptable to a range of climates, from intense summer heat to cold winter conditions. Nonetheless, it does have a preferred temperature range for growing. If temperatures rise too much, the plant can suffer from heat and humidity stress that may kill it, and in places where temperatures near the lower limit of its cold tolerance, providing insulation to protect the plant is important.
Fertilizer
Timing is essential for fertilizing Tree flax. Apply fertilizer in early spring and continue monthly until early summer. Fertilizer encourages attractive blooms and provides energy during both dormant and active growth stages.
Pruning
Tree flax is a shrub-like plant with vibrant yellow flowers that thrives with regular pruning. To maintain its shape and health, prune in early spring to remove weak branches and shape the plant. Avoid heavy pruning during the blooming season, and be sure to use sanitized tools to promote health and prevent disease.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Shrub
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Linum
- Family
- Linaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 7-10
- Mature Height
- 30 cm to 61 cm
- Mature Spread
- 30 cm to 46 cm
- Leaf Color
- Light Green
- Leaf Type
- Semi-evergreen
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Flower Size
- 2.03 cm to 3.05 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall
- Native Area
- Turkey, Greece
Other names.
Reader questions.
What are the sunlight requirements for Tree flax (Linum arboreum)?
Tree flax (Linum arboreum) requires full sun, meaning it needs above 6 hours of sunlight each day to thrive. It's important to observe how sunlight moves through your garden throughout the day. Choosing the right spots that offer a perfect balance of light and shade will ensure your plants stay happy and healthy.