Linaria maroccana

Toadflax is a cool weather, branching annual in the fig wort family with snapdragon-like flowers. It is native to Morocco, as the species name suggests, and blooms in the cool days of spring into early summer. It will, however, stop blooming in the heat of summer. The genus name comes from the the Greek word linon referring to the flax like leaves. 

Toadflax does best in consistently moist, well-drained, humusy to sandy-loam soil in full sun. The plant tends to fade in hot summer weather, but siting it in an area where it will get afternoon shade can encourage summer blossoms. Alternatively, you can sow seeds in late summer for a fall bloom.

Cultivars are available in a range of colors including shades of lavender, yellow, orange, pink, red and white, usually with contrasting color blotches on the palates. You can cut the plant back after initial flowering to encourage additional blooms. The plant does self-seed in optimum growing conditions.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems

Watch for aphids. Powdery mildew can also be a problem.