Twinflower Linnaea borealis
Twinflower (Linnaea borealis) is an evergreen perennial groundcover in the Caprifoliaceae family, native to Boreal forests around the Northern Hemisphere. It grows 5–10 cm (2–4 in) tall and 30 cm–1 m (12 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -45 °C (-49 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Twinflower at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Caprifoliaceae |
| Mature height | 5–10 cm (2–4 in) |
| Mature spread | 30 cm–1 m (12 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 2 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 4–6 |
| Cold hardiness | About -45 °C (-49 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 2) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 24 °C (75 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Boreal forests around the Northern Hemisphere |
| Common in gardens of | 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇷🇺 Russia |
Is Twinflower toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Twinflower
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With English lavender: Acid-loving plants need pH 4.5–5.5, lavender prefers neutral to alkaline soil; one bed cannot suit both. Evidence B
Questions about Twinflower
- How far apart should I plant Twinflower?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30 cm–1 m (12 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Twinflower need full sun?
- Shade: at least 2 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Twinflower need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Twinflower?
- It tolerates about -45 °C (-49 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 2.
- When does Twinflower flower?
- From about June for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Twinflower poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Twinflower?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Twinflower. Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Norwegian species and red-list information, Artsdatabanken
- VASCAN: Database of Vascular Plants of Canada, Canadensys / Université de Montréal Biodiversity Centre
Notes and assumptions
- Paired pink bells nod on thread-like stalks; Linnaeus’s favourite flower, named after him. Provincial flower of Småland.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Corn salad (lamb's lettuce) Valerianella locusta
- Valerian Valeriana officinalis
- Haskap (honeyberry) Lonicera caerulea
- Red valerian Centranthus ruber
- Common honeysuckle (woodbine) Lonicera periclymenum
- Weigela Weigela florida
- Field scabious Knautia arvensis
- Ominaeshi (golden lace, Patrinia) Patrinia scabiosifolia