Blue Flax
Linum perenne
Last reviewed: July 2026
Blue Flax (Linum perenne) is a drought-tolerant native wildflower that produces delicate blue flowers from May through July. This hardy perennial thrives in full sun across the northern Great Plains and attracts bees and butterflies.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA, CO, ID, KS and 10 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Blue flax produces delicate sky-blue flowers on slender stems from late spring through summer. This compact perennial has fine, narrow leaves and a graceful, airy appearance that works well in prairie-style gardens and rock gardens.
Growing Blue Flax
Grow Blue Flax in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Blue Flax is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Individual flowers last only one day
- Can appear sparse when not blooming
Wildlife value
The bright blue flowers attract native bees and butterflies throughout the blooming season. Seeds provide food for birds, particularly goldfinches.
Common questions
- When does Blue Flax bloom?
- Blue Flax blooms from May through July, producing small, five-petaled blue flowers that open in the morning and typically drop by afternoon.
- What pollinators visit Blue Flax?
- Blue Flax attracts various native bees and butterflies. The flowers provide nectar and pollen for these important pollinators during the summer months.
- Where is Blue Flax native?
- Blue Flax is native to Minnesota and other northern Great Plains states, where it grows naturally in prairies and open grasslands.
- How much water does Blue Flax need?
- Blue Flax is very drought tolerant once established and requires minimal watering. It performs well in dry conditions and can struggle in overly wet soils.
- Is Blue Flax HOA-friendly?
- Blue Flax is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Blue Flax? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz