Also known as Toadflax · 158 gardener saves
Linaria: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Linaria, the genus most gardeners know as toadflax. We track 6 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 6 most-saved Linaria varieties
Of 6 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedPeachy Purple Toadflax
Linaria purpurea 'Peachy'
#2 most savedPurple Toadflax
Linaria purpurea
#3 most savedPurple Toadflax
Linaria purpurea 'Canon Went'
White Toadflax
Linaria purpurea 'Alba'
Flamenco Toadflax
Linaria reticulata 'Flamenco'
Three Birds Toadflax
Linaria triornithophora
How to grow Linaria
What the Linaria varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 6 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Linaria year
- DeadheadJune–August100% of varieties
Remove spent flower spikes to encourage continuous blooming.
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March67% of varieties
Cut back old, dead stems to the ground before new growth begins.
- PlantMarch, April, September and October50% of varieties
Plant transplants in well-drained soil during spring or fall.
- MulchMarch33% of varieties
Apply a light layer of mulch to conserve moisture.
- PropagateSeptember33% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-4 years or collect seeds in late summer.
- PruneJuly33% of varieties
Cut back by half after the first main flush of flowers for a potential rebloom.
Do
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering 🌞
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells 💧
- Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during active growth
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering to prevent fungal issues ❌
- Don’t plant in heavy clay soil without amendments
- Refrain from fertilizing late in the season to prevent weak growth
What goes wrong with Linaria
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Slugs | Chewed leaves and slime trails | Handpick or set slug traps |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on foliage | Use horticultural oil or miticides |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Apply organic fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Root Rot | Wilting and browning roots | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
Making more Linaria
Seed
- Tuck seeds just below soil surface in early spring.
- Keep soil moist and place in full sun.
- Germination occurs in 2-3 weeks.
Cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.
- Dip cuttings in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil and keep humid for 6 weeks.
Linaria questions
How many types of Linaria are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 6 distinct Linaria varieties. The most popular — ranked by 158 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Linaria grow in?
Across its varieties, Linaria covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Linaria bloom?
Most Linaria varieties bloom in mid-summer, late spring to late summer, summer, fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Linaria should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Linaria shows up in
Design with Linaria in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
