Twinflower (Linnaea borealis) | Prairie Restorations

Twinflower

Linnaea borealis

Twinflower is a low-growing, trailing perennial with delicate, pale pink bell-shaped flowers that bloom in early summer. It only reaches heights of about 6 inches and may be easy to miss when not in bloom. It thrives in cool, shaded forests, particularly in coniferous and mixed woodlands with moist, well-drained, acidic soils. Twinflower is an excellent ground cover for woodland gardens, supporting pollinators and maintaining soil stability in shaded, naturalized landscapes.

Characteristics

Type	Forb
Sun	Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Soil	Clay, Loam, Sand/Gravel, Peat, Calcareous
Moisture	Dry, Mesic, Wet
Average Max Height (inches)	6
Suggested Plant Spacing (inches)	6
Bloom month(s)	June, July, August
Bloom Color or Type	Pink, Violet
Dominance	Low

Range Maps

Sowing Information

Sow seed onto a firm, weed-free seedbed. Hand-broadcast seed making two perpendicular passes for even coverage. If planting a mix, broadcast the grass component first and lightly rake/drag it into the top 1/8–1/4" of soil. Next, broadcast wildflower/forb seed and press it into the soil surface (with a roller/cultipacker or the back of a rake) to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. After seeding, apply a very light layer of clean, seed-free straw (or other weed-free, site-appropriate mulch) to reduce erosion and retain moisture without smothering seedlings. A good rainfall or thorough watering will help settle seed and mulch and improve germination.

Planting Information

Dig a hole in your planting site slightly larger than the plant’s root system. When placing the plant into the hole, ensure that the soil line remains consistent with its original level in the pot. Fill in around the roots with the excavated soil, gently firming it to eliminate air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly the same day to promote successful establishment.