Yes, definitely 'Linaria purpurea'.
There is also very nice clear pink form called 'Canon J Went, which is a somewhat
less prolific seeder, and more recently a white form.
All are short lived and need to be left to seed each year to get a supply of young
plants.
Will grow in full sun and poor soil.
Regards,
Chris in Somerset

"Alan" wrote in message
...
| Hi,
|
| I'm currently cataloguing the plants in my garden. (89 so far) I've come a
| cross one I don't know the name of. I hoping someone can tell me both the
| botanical name and the common name. I've seen it a lot of local gardens
| (north of Scotland) where it seems to grow without much care at all. In fact
| some of you may prefer to call it a weed than a garden flower. If it is a
| weed it's a nice one and I'll be giving it permission to stay regardless
|
| The plant is herbaceous and grows to about 3' with purple flower spikes.
| Individual flowers are only about 8 to 10 mm across.
|
| Here's a link to a photo showing the flower spike and leaves.
|
| http://web.onetel.net.uk/~haggis63/flower-view1.jpg
|
| ...and here's a closer view of the individual flowers.
|
| http://web.onetel.net.uk/~haggis63/flower-view2.jpg
|
| Alan Melville
|
|