Linaria purpurea aka Purple Toadflax

Taxonomy

Linaria purpurea, also known as purple toadflax, is a beautiful plant with purple flowers that is native to Italy and belongs to the plantain family (Plantaginaceae). It can be found growing wild as an introduced species in parts of western North America and other parts of Europe, and is sometimes planted in gardens as an ornamental perennial herb. The plant can grow up to 70 centimeters tall and has linear leaves that are 2 to 5 centimeters in length. Its inflorescence is a raceme of flowers that are usually light to medium purple in color. However, it can also have pinkish, white, yellow, red, or burgundy inflorescences, depending on the variety. While Linaria purpurea is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, butterflies/moths, and other pollinators with its nectar-pollen-rich flowers, it is also poisonous to livestock. The larvae of some species of Lepidoptera use this plant as a food source. However, it can be invasive in North America and parts of Europe outside Italy, and controlling its growth may require the use of herbicides. As a houseplant, Purple Toadflax is super rare but easy to grow. It needs regular watering and long-lasting, direct light, and should be less than 1 foot from a window. It likes well-draining soil and should be repotted each time it doubles in size. Purple Toadflax belongs to the Linaria genus and is native to Southeastern Europe.

Common names

Purple Toadflax, Op., Prostrate Toadflax

How to care for Purple Toadflax

Difficulty

Caring for Purple Toadflax is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

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

Soil

Purple 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

Purple Toadflax requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Op. is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Purple Toadflax should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.


More info:
Wikipedia