Flax Blue

The Strawflower Mixed Colors, 'Helichrysum bracteatum', makes fantastic cut flowers. The colorful medley of strawflowers also is great for ever-lasting dried flowers. This dazzler will radiate color all over the garden. Rock gardens will brighten up, mixed borders will glow, window boxes will shine. The papery pom-pom like flowers are 2.5 inches across and come in white, bright shades of pink, red, yellow, and orange. Pinch them off if you cannot stand dry foliage. Plant seeds as soon as the soil is warm and there is no danger of frost.

The Sweet Pea Early Multiflora Mix, 'Lathyrus odoratus', is superior for winter bloom in warm winter climates and early spring blooms in cold climates. It is one of the few sweet peas that will bloom during the short days of winter in warm climates. The 1 to 2 inch flowers are in colors of purple, red, rose, white, pink, blue, scarlet, cream, and salmon. The Early Multiflora Mix is best for greenhouse forcing and it is mildly fragrant. They are used for cut flowers, ground cover, and wall coverings if given the proper support.

The Sweet Pea Singing the Blues, 'Lathyrus odoratus', is a designer blend of cool shades of blue, ranging from deep rich tones to delicate pastel colors. The 1 to 2 inch flowers are slightly fragrant. The sweet peas bloom in the spring and the duration of blooming depends on the weather. The plants stop blooming once the weather warms up. They will generally bloom 3 to 5 weeks. In warm climates, plant in October through January for spring bloom. They are used for cut flowers, ground cover, fence and wall covering, and in large pots.

The Flax Blue Lewisii, 'Linum perenne Lewisii', is a drought resistant, sun loving, graceful plant with clusters of sky-blue flowers that last 6 to 12 weeks. The pleasing 1/2 to 1 inch azure blue flowers appear on airy, delicate, gracefully arching branches. The blooms last one day, but they are continually replaced by new ones. Plant in the spring after the last average frost date or 2 months before the first fall frost. Flax looks great when planted in mass and in rock gardens.