Plant database · Perennial

Blue flax

Linum lewisii

Short-lived but reseeds. Named for Meriwether Lewis.

In a Salt Lake Valley yard

Blue flax is a perennial for full sun that needs very low water once established, reaching 18–24 in. Expect bloom may–july, sky blue, every morning. Hardy to USDA 3–9, which covers every neighborhood from the valley floor to the bench.

Plant in fall if you can. Water weekly the first summer, then taper. On drip, one or two emitters per plant is plenty; on a park strip, set it high in gravel so the crown stays dry in winter.