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Description
Linum Alpinum, commonly known as Alpine Flax or Mountain Flax, is a small flowering plant that belongs to the family Linaceae. This perennial plant is native to the mountains of Europe, including the Alps, Pyrenees, and Carpathians. It has a compact growth habit and produces attractive blue flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Linaceae |
| Genus | Linum |
Appearance
Linum Alpinum is a small plant that typically grows to a height of 10-20 cm. It has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are arranged in a basal rosette. The leaves are green and have a waxy texture, which helps to reduce water loss in dry environments. The flowers of Linum Alpinum are typically blue, but can also be pink, white, or purple. They have five petals and are arranged in clusters at the top of the stem. The flowers are about 2 cm in diameter and bloom from late spring to early summer.
Care Guide
Linum Alpinum is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you care for your Alpine Flax:
- Water: Water your plant regularly, but be careful not to overwater it. Linum Alpinum prefers well-draining soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Alpine Flax does not require a lot of fertilizer, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
- Soil: Linum Alpinum prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy or clayey, you can add some sand or perlite to improve drainage.
- Sunlight: Alpine Flax prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can result in weak, spindly growth and fewer flowers.
- Hardiness Zones: Linum Alpinum is hardy to USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Linum Alpinum is generally not prone to pests or diseases, but here are some issues that you may encounter:
- Slugs and snails: These pests can eat holes in the leaves and flowers of your plant. You can control them by using slug bait or setting up beer traps.
- Root rot: Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot, which can cause your plant to wilt and die. To prevent root rot, make sure your soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering your plant.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating to appear on the leaves of your plant. You can control powdery mildew by applying a fungicide spray or by improving air circulation around your plant.
Habitat
Linum Alpinum is native to the mountains of Europe, where it grows in rocky, alpine habitats. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate cold temperatures and harsh growing conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Linum Alpinum a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, Linum Alpinum is a hardy plant that is easy to care for, making it a good choice for beginners.
Q: How often should I water my Alpine Flax?
A: Water your plant regularly, but be careful not to overwater it. Linum Alpinum prefers well-draining soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged.
Q: Can I grow Linum Alpinum in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow Alpine Flax in a container as long as the container has good drainage and is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: Does Linum Alpinum attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the flowers of Linum Alpinum are attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Related Plants
- Linum perenne
- Linum catharticum
- Linum usitatissimum
- Linum lewisii
References
- “Linum Alpinum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279893.
- “Linum Alpinum.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/27726/i-linum-alpinum-i/details.
- “Alpine Flax.” High Country Gardens, www.highcountrygardens.com/perennial-plants/linum/linum-alpinum.
