Snapdragon Antirrhinum majus 'Kim Rose' (Kim Series)
ABOUT
Antirrhinum majus 'Kim Rose' is commonly known as the Snapdragon, a name given for the flower's resemblance to a dragon's mouth that opens and closes when the sides are gently squeezed. 'Kim Rose' is a cultivar in the Kim Series and showcases beautiful rose-pink flowers. These blooms are arranged densely on the spike and exhibit a two-lipped form characteristic of the Snapdragon family. The upper lip consists of two lobes, while the lower lip comprises three, creating an intricate and captivating blossom structure. The flowers emerge from a tubular base, and as the common name suggests, they can 'snap' open to reveal the throat of the flower, often a different hue or patterned with color variations that add to their visual allure. The foliage of 'Kim Rose' enhances its appeal with lance-shaped leaves that exhibit a rich green hue, forming a lush backdrop that makes the rose-pink flowers stand out even more. Snapdragons like the 'Kim Rose' are celebrated for their vibrant and long-lasting blooms, which in many regions can give a showy display throughout the growing season. Overall, the Snapdragon 'Kim Rose' is a plant that can captivate the senses with its striking flowers and delightful color, adding charm to any garden setting or floral arrangement.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Snapdragon, Dragon Flower, Dog's Mouth, Lion's Mouth, Toad's Mouth
Common names
Antirrhinum majus.
- Toxicity
To humans
Snapdragon 'Kim Rose' (Kim Series) is generally not considered to be toxic to humans. These plants are commonly grown in gardens and are not known to contain any toxic principles that would result in serious harm if ingested. However, it is always advised to avoid eating ornamental plants, as they are not intended for consumption and any plant material could potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort if ingested in large quantities.
To pets
Snapdragon 'Kim Rose' (Kim Series) is also considered non-toxic to pets. It is not known to contain harmful substances that could lead to poisoning in animals. Accidental ingestion of snapdragon parts might cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets, such as vomiting or diarrhea, but serious toxicity is unlikely. As with humans, it is wise to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants as a precaution.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Rose
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal - Adds vibrant rose-pink color to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators - Welcomes bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects for pollination.
- Easy Maintenance - Known for being low maintenance and easy to care for.
- Long Blooming Period - Offers a prolonged display of flowers from late spring to early fall.
- Versatility - Suitable for borders, flower beds, pots, and window boxes.
- Deer Resistant - Typically not favored by deer, reducing the likelihood of damage to the plant.
- Drought Tolerant - Once established, tolerates periods of low water availability.
- Propagates Easily - Can be propagated through seeds or cuttings for more plants.
- Can be Grown as Annual or Perennial - Depending on the climate, it can be grown as an annual or return each year as a perennial in warmer regions.
- 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
- Photography Prop: Snapdragons like Antirrhinum majus 'Kim Rose' can add a striking pop of color to floral photography setups.
- Education: Schools might use snapdragons in science classes to demonstrate pollination or genetic inheritance patterns due to their unique flower morphology.
- Artistic Inspiration: The vibrant colors and interesting shapes of snapdragon flowers can inspire artists and be used as subjects for paintings or illustrations.
- Dye Production: The pigments in snapdragon petals can be used to create natural dyes for textiles or crafts.
- Eco-friendly Confetti: Dried snapdragon petals can serve as biodegradable confetti for celebrations, reducing the environmental impact.
- Fragrance Extraction: Though not as common as other flowers, the scent of snapdragon flowers can be used in making perfumes or scented products.
- Ancestral Crafts: Some cultures might use snapdragons in traditional crafts, dried flower arrangements, or for decorating folk art pieces.
- Pressing and Scrapbooking: The flowers and leaves of snapdragons can be pressed and used in scrapbooking or making bookmarks.
- Gardening Competitions: Snapdragons are sometimes featured in flower show contests for their unique bloom shapes and vivid colors.
- Plant Combinations: Garden designers use snapdragons to create textural and color contrasts in mixed flower borders or container gardens.
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 or Graciousness - Depending on the context, Snapdragons can symbolize both deception, due to their closed mouth appearance, and graciousness.
- Strength - They are often associated with strength due to their ability to grow in rocky areas and their sturdy stem.
- Protection - In historical folklore, Snapdragons were thought to offer protection from falsehood and curses when planted in gardens.
- Resurrection and Rebirth - The bloom of a Snapdragon closing at night and reopening in the morning has led to it symbolizing resurrection and rebirth.
- Water
To properly water Snapdragons, they prefer even moisture and should not be allowed to dry out completely, but also do not appreciate being waterlogged. It's best to water them deeply once a week with about one inch of water, which equates to roughly 0.6 gallons for an outdoor garden area of 10 square feet. During hot or windy weather, the frequency might need to be increased. Make sure to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, as this can promote disease. Adjust watering in response to rainfall, reducing the amount if necessary.
- Light
Snapdragons thrive in full sun to partial shade. A spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight is ideal for vigorous growth and optimal flowering. If the plant is placed in too much shade, it may become leggy and produce fewer blooms.
- Temperature
Snapdragons prefer cooler temperatures and can tolerate light frosts. They grow best in temperatures ranging from 40 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures down to 30 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, but extended periods outside this range may stress the plants.
- Pruning
Pruning Snapdragons encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming. Cut back the plant after the first flush of flowers has faded to encourage a second round of blooms. It's best to prune in the late afternoon or cloudy days to avoid stressing the plant with harsh sun exposure.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Snapdragons prefer well-draining soil with organic matter and a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.2 to 7.0. A mixture of loam, peat, and sand is ideal to ensure good drainage and fertility.
- Repotting
Snapdragons generally do not require frequent repotting and can be replanted annually or when they outgrow their current container.
- Humidity & Misting
Snapdragons are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but prefer moderate humidity conditions. They can adapt to the average humidity found in most outdoor environments.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place snapdragons near a sunny window and monitor water.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun with good soil and ensure space for airflow.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
- Life cycle
Antirrhinum majus 'Kim Rose', commonly known as Snapdragon 'Kim Rose', begins life as a seed that germinates in cool weather, usually in early spring. Once the seedling emerges and develops true leaves, it enters a vegetative growth stage where it focuses on producing foliage and strengthening its root system. The plant then transitions to the flowering stage, where it produces tall spikes adorned with rose-colored blossoms that attract pollinators to facilitate reproduction. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruit capsules containing seeds that mature and are eventually dispersed, often self-sowing for the next season. During the late summer or fall, the plant begins to senesce, with reduced growth and flowering as it prepares for dormancy over the winter. If conditions are not too harsh, Snapdragon 'Kim Rose' may overwinter and regrow the following spring, completing its perennial cycle.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus 'Kim Rose') is through seed sowing. The ideal time to sow Snapdragon seeds is in late winter or early spring, about 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected frost. They require light for germination, so seeds should be sprinkled onto the surface of a well-draining seed starting mix and gently pressed down, but not completely covered with soil. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the seeds typically germinate in 10 to 14 days when kept at a temperature of about 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius). Once seedlings have developed a few true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots and eventually moved to their final location outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.