Snapdragon Antirrhinum Coronette Series, formula mixed
ABOUT
Antirrhinum Coronette Series, commonly known as Snapdragon, 'Coronette' formula mixed, is a charming and colorful flowering plant that adds vibrant hues to gardens and floral displays. The plant typically features a clustered array of tubular blossoms, which display a delightful mix of colors such as red, pink, yellow, orange, purple, and white, sometimes with beautifully contrasting patterns and markings within the throat of the flowers. The blossoms are often two-lipped, with the upper lip having three lobes and the lower lip with two, giving them the whimsical look of a dragon's open mouth when squeezed on the sides, which is the source of its playful common name. Snapdragons are characterized by their vertical flower spikes, which are densely packed with these individual blooms. The lush foliage beneath the flowers consists of lance-shaped or oblong leaves, which are usually a medium green color and add a textural contrast to the soft petals of the blooms. This series of Snapdragon is cultivated for its generous blooming that can last from spring through fall under the right conditions, providing a long season of visual delight and interest in any outdoor space. The floral display of Snapdragons is not only visually striking but also appealing to various pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, thereby serving an ecological role in gardens and natural spaces. The combination of its colorful and abundant blossoms, with a diversity of shades and the plant's ability to attract wildlife, renders the Antirrhinum Coronette Series a favored choice for flower beds, borders, and containers, bringing life and color wherever it is grown.
About this plant
- Names
Synonyms
Snapdragon, Dragon Flower
Common names
Antirrhinum majus.
- Toxicity
To humans
The common name for Antirrhinum Coronette Series is Snapdragon. Snapdragons are generally considered non-toxic to humans. Therefore, if ingested, they are not likely to cause poisoning or serious health issues. However, consuming any plant material can potentially cause discomfort or a reaction in certain sensitive individuals, such as mild gastrointestinal upset.
To pets
Snapdragon is the common name for Antirrhinum Coronette Series. Snapdragons are typically not toxic to pets. They are considered safe for dogs, cats, and horses, and ingestion of this plant usually does not lead to any serious poisoning. Consequently, pets that consume snapdragons might experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort, including slight nausea or diarrhea, but significant toxicity is rare.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Easy to grow – The Antirrhinum, commonly known as Snapdragon, is easy to cultivate and maintain in garden settings.
- Long blooming period – Snapdragons usually bloom for a long period from spring to fall, providing extended color in the garden.
- Attracts pollinators – They attract butterflies and bees, which are essential for the pollination of plants and the health of the garden.
- Versatile in use – Snapdragons are versatile and can be used in flower beds, borders, containers, and as cut flowers for indoor arrangements.
- Colorful displays – The Coronette Series offers a range of vibrant colors that can brighten up any garden space.
- Drought-tolerant – Once established, Snapdragons can tolerate periods of drought, making them suitable for a variety of climates and conditions.
- Cold resistance – They have good resistance to cooler temperatures and can be planted early in the spring or continue blooming into fall.
- Height variety – Snapdragons come in different heights, which makes the Coronette Series suitable for creating textured and layered garden designs.
- Deer resistant – They are generally not preferred by deer, which is particularly beneficial for gardens in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
- Edible flowers – Snapdragon flowers are edible and can be used to decorate salads and desserts, adding an ornamental touch to culinary creations.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Snapdragon petals can be used for natural dyeing, adding varied colors to fabrics and materials.
- In Victorian floriography, giving someone snapdragons was a way to communicate graciousness or deception, depending on the context.
- Snapdragons, when dried and pressed, can be incorporated into homemade paper to give it a unique texture and look.
- They can be used as biodegradable confetti at events to replace traditional paper or plastic confetti.
- The seed pods of snapdragons, resembling tiny skulls, can be used in educational settings to discuss plant biology and morphology.
- Snapdragons can be planted as companion plants in vegetable gardens to attract pollinators and beneficial insects.
- The flowers can be used as natural decorations on cakes and pastries, often used by culinary artists for their visual appeal.
- When creating floral-scented sachets, snapdragon petals can be included to add to the aroma and aesthetic.
- During nature-oriented crafts, children can use snapdragon flowers to create fairy crowns or other imaginative works of art.
- Artists may use snapdragons as subjects in photography, painting, and botanical illustration to capture their vivid colors and shapes.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Snapdragon is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Snapdragon is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Deception: The Antirrhinum, commonly known as 'Snapdragon', can symbolize deception due to its unique flower morphology that allows for a snapping mouth-like motion when laterally squeezed, reminiscent of something concealing its true intent.
- Graciousness: Snapdragons are often associated with graciousness, conveying a sense of kindness, elegance, and benevolence in the language of flowers.
- Strength: The sturdy stem and vibrant blooms of the Snapdragon signify strength and resilience, symbolizing an ability to overcome obstacles and challenges.
- Protection: In some folklore, Snapdragons are thought to offer protection. They were believed to guard against falsehood and to provide safety from deceitful or harmful influences.
- Water
Snapdragons need consistent moisture, but they dislike being overwatered. To water snapdragons properly, check the top inch of soil, and if it's dry, water the plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. This usually means watering once or twice a week, but may vary depending on climate and weather conditions. It's important to adjust your watering routine based on rainfall and temperature as these plants are susceptible to root rot if left in soggy soil. In terms of volume, snapdragons typically require about 1-1.5 gallons of water per week during the growing season.
- Light
Snapdragons thrive in full sun, receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Place them in a spot where they are exposed to unfiltered sunlight for most of the day, although they can tolerate partial shade. They will produce the most flowers and robust growth in a bright and sunny location.
- Temperature
Snapdragons prefer cooler temperatures and will flourish when daytime temperatures are between 60 to 75°F and nighttime temperatures are between 50 to 55°F. They can survive a light frost, with minimum temperatures dipping to just above freezing, but should be protected if temperatures are expected to fall below 40°F. The ideal temperature range ensures a longer blooming season.
- Pruning
Pruning snapdragons promotes bushier growth and more flowers. Pinch off the tips when the plants are about 4 to 6 inches tall to encourage branching. Deadhead regularly by removing spent blooms, and after the first flush of flowers has faded, cut back the plant by about half to encourage a second bloom. The best time for pruning is after the initial flowering, but before the heat of mid-summer.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Snapdragons prefer well-draining soil with moderate fertility and a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.2 to 7.0. A good mix can be prepared with equal parts peat, loam, and sand or perlite to ensure adequate drainage and aeration. Regularly amending the soil with organic compost can enhance its structure and nutrient content for the Antirrhinum Coronette Series.
- Repotting
Snapdragons generally do not require frequent repotting as they are often grown as annuals. Repot the Antirrhinum Coronette Series if the plants become root-bound or the soil becomes exhausted. This typically occurs every 1-2 years, but if grown as perennials, they may benefit from division during repotting to rejuvenate their growth.
- Humidity & Misting
Snapdragons thrive in moderate humidity levels but can tolerate a range of conditions. The ideal humidity level for Antirrhinum Coronette Series is around 40-50%. They can adapt to lower humidity levels but should be protected from excessively dry air which can increase the risk of spider mite infestations.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Keep snapdragons in bright light, away from drafts.
Outdoor
Plant snapdragons in full sun, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
- Life cycle
The life of the Snapdragon 'Coronette' series begins with seed germination, which occurs under warm, moist conditions, typically in spring when soil temperatures reach 65-75°F (18-24°C). Upon germination, the seedlings establish a root system and produce their first set of true leaves. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it develops a strong stem and a rosette of leaves, subsequently followed by the formation of flower buds as it enters the reproductive stage. The flowering phase is characterized by the opening of vibrant, formula-mixed colored blossoms that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules, which eventually dry and split open to release seeds for the next generation. The plant completes its life cycle when it either dies after setting seed in annual varieties or goes dormant in perennial types to overwinter and regrow the following season.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Snapdragon 'Coronette' Series, formula mixed, is typically propagated through seeds. This popular method involves sowing the seeds in early spring under cover with warmth, as Snapdragons prefer cooler temperatures to germinate effectively. Sow the seeds thinly across a tray of well-draining seed starting mix, covering them lightly with a fine layer of soil or vermiculite. The ideal temperature for germination is around 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius). Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually occurs within 7 to 14 days. Once the seedlings have developed their first true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots before eventually moving them outdoors to their final position after the risk of frost has passed.