Red Flax
Linum grandiflorum Rubrum
Silky scarlet-red petals shimmer atop wiry stems, adding a delicate Mediterranean touch to summer gardens.
A cool-season annual in USDA zones 9-11; fall- or early-spring-sown in the low desert to bloom before extreme summer heat, it reseeds in favorable years.
AMWUA Notes
A moderate-water annual offering delicate, abundant color from an easy direct sowing.
Care Guide
Water weekly during growth and bloom; it likes even moisture but sharp drainage, and its delicate stems resent both drought stress and soggy soil.
None beyond removing spent plants; the flowers are short-lived individually but produced in abundance, and it reseeds if allowed.
Minimal; lean soil keeps the wiry stems upright and free-flowering.
Trouble-free.
Grown as a cool-season annual in the low desert despite the "summer" label — sow in fall or early spring for bloom before intense heat, and let it reseed.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Lean, well-drained soils; needs sharp drainage; delicate stems resent both drought stress and soggy soil.
Needs well-drained soil.
None — thrives in lean desert soil without fertilizer.
Seed; direct-sow in fall or early spring (cool-season in the low desert) as it transplants poorly, and let it reseed.
2–3 ft
Minimal; a fine-rooted annual best direct-sown. Reseeds in favorable years.
Placement Tips
- •Mass for a shimmering, see-through veil of silky orange atop fine wiry stems.
- •Sow directly in place, since flax transplants poorly and germinates easily.
- •Combine with sturdier plants that support its delicate, airy habit.
- •Full sun with good drainage; excellent in a cut-flower or cottage-style desert bed.
Features
Best Uses
Ecological Value
Attracts
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
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Use this care guide to maintain your Red Flax. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Red Flax — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Red Flax need in Phoenix?
Red Flax is a moderate-water annual once established. Water weekly during growth and bloom; it likes even moisture but sharp drainage, and its delicate stems resent both drought stress and soggy soil. A moderate-water annual offering delicate, abundant color from an easy direct sowing.
How big does Red Flax get?
Expect roughly 1 ft tall and 3 ft wide at maturity, with a moderate growth rate. Allow about 2–3 ft of spacing when planting. Minimal; a fine-rooted annual best direct-sown. Reseeds in favorable years.
Can you plant Red Flax near a pool?
Yes. Red Flax is considered pool-friendly, meaning it stays clean enough around water features and hardscape. Litter is rated low.
Can Red Flax handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Red Flax is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. A cool-season annual in USDA zones 9-11; fall- or early-spring-sown in the low desert to bloom before extreme summer heat, it reseeds in favorable years. Grown as a cool-season annual in the low desert despite the "summer" label — sow in fall or early spring for bloom before intense heat, and let it reseed.
Does Red Flax have thorns?
No. Red Flax is thornless, so it is safe alongside walkways, patios and play areas.
Is Red Flax safe around pets?
Red Flax is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Red Flax bloom in Arizona?
Red Flax blooms in summer, with scarlet red flowers. The bloom draws bees, butterflies.
How much maintenance does Red Flax need?
Red Flax is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. None beyond removing spent plants; the flowers are short-lived individually but produced in abundance, and it reseeds if allowed.
What kind of soil does Red Flax need?
Lean, well-drained soils; needs sharp drainage; delicate stems resent both drought stress and soggy soil. It needs no supplemental feeding. Minimal; lean soil keeps the wiry stems upright and free-flowering.
Is Red Flax native to Arizona?
No. Red Flax is not an Arizona native; it originates from the Southern Europe, Africa, but it is grown successfully in low-desert landscapes here.