Linaria elegans

Annual of the Plantaginaceae family, endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, mainly present in the center and south of Spain and in Portugal. It grows on poor sandy or stony grounds, embankments, open dry lawns, and roadsides, in full light, at low and medium altitude.

It produces erect, slender, and branched stems, 15 to 50 cm in height, bearing fine and discreet foliage that almost disappears behind the flowering. The flowers are of an intense and vivid purple-violet, remarkably saturated, with a broad and spread lower lip that gives them an open and airy appearance very different from closed-flower toadflaxes. They are spaced along slender stems, contributing to the lightness of the silhouette. It is precisely this lively and open habit, combined with the richness of the color, that justifies the species name.

In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from April to July depending on the locations.

In cultivation, it is sown in place in spring, in well-drained, poor soil and in full sun. It tolerates summer drought and reseeds easily from year to year in suitable conditions. To be reserved for hot rockeries and dry gardens of Mediterranean style.