Snapdragon Antirrhinum 'Double Azalea Bronze' (Double Azalea Series) (d)
ABOUT
The Antirrhinum 'Double Azalea Bronze', commonly known as the Snapdragon, is characterized by its unique and striking flowers. These blooms are double-petaled, meaning they have an abundance of layers creating a fuller, more lavish look as compared to the typical Snapdragon. The 'Double Azalea Bronze' variant features blossoms with warm, deep bronze shades that may carry hints of orange, red, or pink, adding a rich, radiant color to the garden space. The flowers are densely packed into a robust, upright spike-like structure, which presents a showy display. The foliage of the Snapdragon is typically a medium to dark green, providing a lovely contrast against the bronze flowers. The leaves are lance-shaped and form a neat, compact arrangement along the sturdy stems, contributing to the plant's attractive appearance throughout its blooming period. The overall look of the Snapdragon 'Double Azalea Bronze' is one of a classic elegance with a touch of flamboyance brought by its distinctive bronzy double flowers that are bound to catch the eye in any floral arrangement or garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Snapdragon, Dragon Flower, Dog's Mouth, Lion's Mouth, Toad's Mouth
Common names
Antirrhinum majus 'Double Azalea Bronze'
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Antirrhinum 'Double Azalea Bronze' is Snapdragon. Snapdragons are generally considered non-toxic to humans. While they are not edible and should not be ingested, there is no significant toxicity associated with this plant, and it does not typically cause poisoning or serious side effects if touched or accidentally consumed in small quantities.
To pets
Snapdragons are also generally considered non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. They are not known to cause any significant toxicity or serious health problems if ingested by pets. However, ingestion of plant material can sometimes result in mild gastrointestinal upset due to the ingestion of non-food items, rather than specific plant toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Bronze
Height
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Snapdragons, including Antirrhinum 'Double Azalea Bronze', are prized for their unique flower structure and vibrant colors which add beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: They attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies that help pollinate other plants in the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: Snapdragons have a long flowering season, usually from spring to fall, providing continuous color and visual interest in the garden.
- Versatility: Suitable for use in flower beds, borders, containers, and as cut flowers, they offer a range of gardening and decorative uses.
- Low Maintenance: Snapdragons are relatively easy to grow and maintain, requiring minimal care once established in the proper growing conditions.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, they can tolerate periods of drought, making them suitable for gardens in drier climates.
- Cold Resistance: They can survive light frosts, making them a good choice for extending the flowering season in cooler climates.
- Deer Resistant: Snapdragons are generally resistant to deer, which can help reduce damage to gardens located in deer-prone areas.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Snapdragon 'Double Azalea Bronze' can be used as a dye plant for natural fiber fabrics, imparting a gentle color from the petals.
- In artistic crafts, the unique shape of the snapdragon flowers can be pressed and used in creating intricate floral designs for bookmarks or greeting cards.
- The stalks of snapdragons can be woven into lightweight garden structures, like trellises, when dried and treated properly, providing a sustainable crafting material.
- When harvested and dried, these flowers can be used to create eco-friendly confetti for celebrations, as an alternative to synthetic confetti.
- The distinctive mouth-like flowers can be used in nature-inspired art installations or educational models to demonstrate the mechanics of pollination to students.
- As a teaching tool in photography classes, the vivid colors and textures of snapdragon 'Double Azalea Bronze' make it a great subject for practicing macro photography techniques.
- The petals of snapdragons can be floated in bowls of water to create decorative centerpieces for tables at eco-friendly events.
- Using dried snapdragon flowers, one can create all-natural potpourri blends that can freshen the air without the use of synthetic fragrances.
- In children's gardens, snapdragons provide an interactive experience as kids can gently squeeze the sides of the flowers to see them 'snap' open and closed.
- During festive seasons, snapdragon stems can be incorporated into wreaths or garlands, adding a unique texture and color to holiday decorations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Snapdragon is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Snapdragon is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Deception or Grace: Also known as Snapdragons, a common name for Antirrhinum 'Double Azalea Bronze', these plants are often associated with both deception and grace due to their unique flower shape, which can resemble a dragon's mouth and can "snap" shut.
- Strength: Snapdragons symbolize strength and resilience, possibly due to their ability to grow in rocky areas and their sturdy stems.
- Protection: In some folklore, Snapdragons are thought to offer protection from falsehood and curses when planted in gardens or placed in the home.
- Chivalry: The Snapdragon's tall and upright growth habit can represent chivalry and honor, making them a symbol of noble grace.
WaterSnapdragons, including the Double Azalea Bronze variety, enjoy consistent moisture but do not like to sit in waterlogged soil. It's best to water them deeply once a week, providing approximately 1 gallon of water per plant. During particularly hot or dry spells, increase watering frequency to twice a week. Use a watering can or a gentle stream from a garden hose to water at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage to help prevent disease. Always check the soil a few inches deep; if it feels dry, it's time to water.
LightSnapdragons such as the Double Azalea Bronze thrive in full sun conditions, which means they need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to flourish. They perform best in a spot that receives morning sunlight and some protection from the intense afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates. However, they can tolerate partial shade, especially in very warm regions, as long as they receive enough light.
TemperatureSnapdragons, like Double Azalea Bronze, prefer cooler temperatures and perform best when daytime temperatures are around 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit, with nighttime temperatures ideally between 50-65 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive temperatures down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit but will start to suffer if exposed to temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods. They are generally grown as cool-season annuals.
PruningPruning Snapdragons like Double Azalea Bronze helps promote bushier growth and more flowers. Pinch back the tips of young plants to encourage branching. Deadhead frequently by removing spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. After the first flush of blooms fades, cut the flower stalks back by half to encourage a second bloom. The best time to prune snapdragons is when they are young and again in mid-summer after the initial blooming period.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSnapdragons prefer well-draining soil with a mix of two parts peat moss, one part loam, and one part sand or perlite. Aim for a soil pH between 6.2 and 7.0 for optimal growth and flower development.
RepottingSnapdragons typically don't require frequent repotting as they are often grown as annuals. If grown as perennials, they may be repotted every 2-3 years or if the plants outgrow their current containers.
Humidity & MistingSnapdragons thrive in moderate humidity levels; maintaining an environment with 40-50% relative humidity is generally adequate for healthy growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, cool temps, and water when topsoil dries.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part-shade, in well-drained, fertile soil.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleSnapdragon 'Double Azalea Bronze' starts its life cycle as a seed, which, when sown in early spring under the right temperature and light conditions, will germinate and produce seedlings. These seedlings develop true leaves and gradually mature into vegetative plants, with stems, leaves, and a root system. As the plant enters the flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, it produces distinctive double blooms with a bronze hue. After pollination, often by insects, the flowers will produce fruits, which are capsules containing seeds. These seeds can be collected when the capsules dry and then used to propagate new plants for the next season. The plant itself is generally treated as an annual, completing its lifecycle within one growing season, but in some cases, it may act as a perennial in milder climates.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the Antirrhinum, commonly known as the Snapdragon, is through seed. Snapdragon 'Double Azalea Bronze' seeds are typically sown indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost date in your area. The seeds need light to germinate, so they should be pressed gently onto the surface of a well-draining seed starting mix, ensuring they are not covered. The soil should be kept moist, but not saturated, and the temperature should be maintained at about 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18-21 degrees Celsius). Germination usually occurs in 10-20 days. After the seedlings have developed a couple of sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots and later moved outdoors once the risk of frost has passed.
