Linaria maroccana aka Annual Toadflax

Taxonomy

Linaria maroccana, commonly known as Moroccan toadflax and annual toadflax, is a species of flowering plant in the plantain family. Native to Morocco, it has also been introduced and can be found growing wild in places like California. This ornamental plant is popular in flower gardens and is readily available. It is an annual herb that grows upright, reaching a maximum height of 50 cm (20 in). The stem is accompanied by linear leaves that are 2-4 cm (0.8-1.6 in) long. The inflorescence consists of a raceme of flowers at the top of the stem. Each flower has a calyx with five narrow, pointed lobes at its base. The flower itself is typically purple with white near the throat, although there are bred varieties available in many different colors. Some cultivars, such as the Fairy Bouquet Group, have gained recognition and been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. This mixture of flowers from the Fairy Bouquet Group produces spikes of small snapdragon-like flowers in a range of both bold and pastel colors. These flowers grow to be around 20-30 cm high and bloom during the summer season.

Common names

Annual Toadflax, Garden Toadflax, Moroccan Toadflax

How to care for Annual Toadflax

Difficulty

Annual Toadflax requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Annual Toadflax should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Annual Toadflax loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Annual Toadflax requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Annual Toadflax will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Annual Toadflax to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Fertilizer

The Annual Toadflax should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.


More info:
Wikipedia