Red Flax
Linum grandiflorum var. rubrum, Flax Family ( Linaceae ), Red Flax. Also called: Scarlet Flax, Linum coccineum.
Linum grandiflorum var. rubrum is a ultra-hardy, annual which blooms during Mid March - April. Each solitary red - scarlet bloom only lasts about a day, but new blooms are often produced with foliage about a foot high.
Red Flax is heat & drought tolerant and does well in full sun. It has heat limits & will need watering if it makes it through the summer.
Height: Up to about 3 - 12 inches high.
Flowers: Rounded flowers with five separate petals that curve outward, about an inch and a half across, with a bright crimson color and a deeper center leading to a solid black eye.
Blooming Time: In Arizona they bloom Mid March - April in warm areas. Other areas until November.
Leaves: Tall, thin stems with narrow leaves, all in a glaucous greyish-green.
Seed Pod: Round with star shape due to the shape of leaves and spacing.
Seeds: Flattish shiny brown ovals. There are many seeds in a pod..
Found: Native of the Mediterranean region in southern Europe & northern Africa.
Elevation: 200 - 5000 Feet.
Habitat: Slopes, mesas, and disturbed rocky soil.
Miscellaneous: Flowering Photos Taken March 20, 2008.
Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden.
