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Photo by Walter Siegmund

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Linnaea borealis

Also Known As

Twinflower

Plant type

perennial, groundcover

size

H: 1"-4"
W: 36"-96"

planting zones

3a-9b

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Linnaea borealis plant details

Linnaea borealis is a broadleaf evergreen perennial groundcover with green foliage. In summer pink flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Grows well with mostly shade - shade and even moisture water. Does well in well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Linnaea borealis

Plant type: perennial groundcover
Plant family: caprifoliaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 36 IN - 96 IN - wide, 1 IN - 4 IN - tall
Flowers: pink blooms in summer
Uses: fall color

GROWING CONDITIONS for Linnaea borealis

USDA Zones: 3a - 9b
Sun exposure: mostly shade - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture

Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Linnaea borealis or twinflower is a lovely native ground cover forming open, creeping mats of small, shiny leaves and thin flowering stems that branch to produce a side-by-side pair of sweetly fragrant, trumpet-shaped, light pink flowers. An established patch can be smelled from 10 feet away if the breeze is right! The species is circumboreal occuring across Canada and much of the Northern Hemisphere. It was named in honour of Carl Linnaeus, the father of modern botanical nomenclature. Plant with even moisture but good drainage. Avoid overly rich, high humus soils. Most likely pollinated by small native bees and moths. A Canadian native found in every province and territory.