Snapdragon Antirrhinum majus 'Kim Scarlet' (Kim Series)
ABOUT
The Snapdragons 'Kim Scarlet' from the Kim Series are visually striking plants known for their vibrant, eye-catching flowers. The blooms are deep scarlet in color, providing a rich, warm hue that can add a pop of color to any garden space. These flowers are tubular and two-lipped, with the characteristic snapdragon shape that resembles a dragon's mouth – which can be playfully opened and closed by gently squeezing the sides of the flower. They have a strong, upright habit, with flower spikes that rise elegantly above the foliage. The foliage of the 'Kim Scarlet' Snapdragons is comprised of medium to dark green leaves. These leaves are lance-shaped, having a linear to oblong form with a smooth or slightly serrated edge. They are arranged in a dense, compact manner, contributing to the plant's bushy appearance. The vibrant flowers juxtaposed with the lush greenery make the 'Kim Scarlet' variety a lively choice for gardeners looking for a plant with a strong visual impact.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Snapdragon, Dragon Flower
Common names
Antirrhinum majus 'Kim Scarlet'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as snapdragon, which includes the variety Antirrhinum majus 'Kim Scarlet', is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, if any part of the snapdragon plant is ingested in large quantities, it could potentially cause mild stomach upset or irritation of the mouth and digestive tract. This is unlikely to be severe and snapdragons are not known for being poisonous to humans.
To pets
Snapdragons, referring to the Antirrhinum majus 'Kim Scarlet' included, are typically safe and non-toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. If a pet ingests snapdragons, they might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, but significant toxicity is not expected. Symptoms could include vomiting or diarrhea but are usually not severe.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Scarlet
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Blooms: Antirrhinum majus 'Kim Scarlet' offers vibrant red flowers that add a pop of color to any garden setting.
- Pollinator Friendly: The blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, enhancing biodiversity.
- Extended Flowering Season: The Kim Series snapdragons, including 'Kim Scarlet', typically have a long blooming period, providing color from late spring through fall.
- Low Maintenance: These plants are relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep other than regular watering and occasional fertilization.
- Versatile Use: They can be used in flower beds, borders, containers, and as cut flowers for indoor arrangements.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, 'Kim Scarlet' snapdragons have moderate drought tolerance, making them suitable for water-conscious gardens.
- Cold Hardy: These plants are capable of withstanding cooler temperatures and can be planted in a range of climates.
- Deer Resistance: 'Kim Scarlet' is not typically favored by deer, reducing the likelihood of damage in areas with deer populations.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photographic Subject: Snapdragons like Antirrhinum majus 'Kim Scarlet' are often photographed for their vivid colors and unique flower structure, making them a popular subject for botanical photographers and hobbyists.
- Edible Decorations: The blooms of snapdragons can be used as edible garnishes on salads and desserts, providing a splash of color to culinary creations.
- Educational Tool: Schools and educational programs may use snapdragons in biology classes to teach about plant growth, pollination, and the anatomy of flowers.
- Craft Projects: Dried snapdragon flowers can be used in craft projects such as making bookmarks, greeting cards, or potpourri.
- Fragrance Production: While not the most common use, the mild fragrance of some snapdragon varieties may be used in creating floral waters or simple perfumes on a small scale.
- Artistic Inspiration: The striking appearance of Antirrhinum majus 'Kim Scarlet' can inspire artists and designers, who may use them as models for paintings, illustrations, and textile patterns.
- Mood Setting: Snapdragons can be used to create themed garden spaces or floral arrangements that evoke moods or celebrate seasons, such as warm, fiery colors for summer displays.
- Snapdragon Seed Games: The seeds of snapdragons have been used in children’s games, where they can be made to 'snap' between fingers, bringing a playful element into learning about plants.
- Landscape Photography: Snapdragons can add depth and interest to landscape photography when they are included in shots of gardens and natural scenes.
- Fairy Gardens: Miniature snapdragons can be used in creating fairy gardens, providing a colorful backdrop for imaginative miniature landscapes.
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: The common name for Antirrhinum majus is Snapdragon, and it has been associated with both deception and grace due to its unique flower shape, which can appear like a dragon's mouth. When the flower is squeezed, it resembles a dragon opening and closing its mouth.
- Strength: The Snapdragon is also a symbol of strength, resilience, and fortitude. The plant can often be found blooming in rocky, challenging environments, which is seen as a testament to its hardiness.
- Protection: In the language of flowers, giving someone a Snapdragon is a way to convey a wish for protection. The plant was thought to have the power to ward off evil and was frequently planted in gardens for this purpose.
WaterFor Snapdragons, it's best to water deeply, providing about 1 inch of water, which equates to about 0.6 gallons per square foot, once a week during active growth periods. However, this may vary depending on climate conditions, with more frequent watering necessary in hot, dry weather. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings, as Snapdragons prefer not to be water-logged. When watering, aim at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. If temperatures are cool and the weather is damp, you might scale back to watering every 10 to 14 days.
LightSnapdragons thrive in full sun, meaning they need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If planted in partial shade, they might produce fewer blooms. The best spot for your Snapdragons is a bright, sunny bed, ideally with some protection from the intense afternoon sun in hotter regions, which could potentially stress the plants and impact blooming.
TemperatureSnapdragons prefer cooler temperatures and will flourish when daytime temperatures are around 60-75°F. They can tolerate temperatures as low as freezing but perform poorly in extreme heat, with temperatures above 90°F potentially stunting growth and flowering. The ideal growing conditions for Snapdragons would include cool nights and moderately warm days.
PruningPruning Snapdragons involves deadheading spent flowers to encourage more blooms and cutting back the plant by one-third after the first flowering flush. This can be done several times throughout the growing season. The best time for major pruning is usually midseason, after the plants have experienced an initial growth spurt and flowering period.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSnapdragons like Antirrhinum majus 'Kim Scarlet' thrive in a well-draining, loamy soil mix with a pH between 6.2 and 7.0. A mix of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand can provide ideal growing conditions for healthy roots and ample flower production.
RepottingSnapdragons such as Antirrhinum majus 'Kim Scarlet' typically don't need frequent repotting and can be repotted every one to two years, or as needed when they outgrow their current container.
Humidity & MistingSnapdragons prefer moderate humidity levels but are adaptable to a range of conditions. It's best to avoid overly humid environments to prevent fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temps, and moderate watering.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, regular deadheading.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe Snap Dragon 'Kim Scarlet' begins its life cycle when the seeds are sown in well-drained soil and germinate, usually within 10-14 days under the right conditions (warm temperatures and consistent moisture). Upon germination, the seedlings establish their root system and grow their first true leaves, entering the vegetative phase where they develop the leafy structure typical of snapdragons. The plant then enters the reproductive phase where it develops flower spikes with distinctive scarlet blossoms, attracting pollinators and eventually leading to pollination. Following pollination, the flowers form seed pods that mature, dry out, and split open to release seeds for dispersal, perpetuating the cycle. As an annual or short-lived perennial, the Snap Dragon 'Kim Scarlet' will complete its life cycle within one or two growing seasons, after which the plant will die, having spread its seeds for the next generation. In temperate climates, it completes this cycle within a single year, while in milder regions it might persist into a second year before completing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The common name for Antirrhinum majus 'Kim Scarlet' from the Kim Series is Snapdragon. For Snapdragon, the most popular method of propagation is through seed sowing. Seeds can be started indoors about 6 to 10 weeks before the last expected frost date to get a jump on the growing season. Surface sow the tiny seeds onto a well-draining seed starting mix, gently pressing them into the soil but not covering them, as they need light to germinate. Ideally, maintain a temperature of 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit (about 18-24 degrees Celsius) during germination, which usually occurs within 10 to 20 days. After seedlings develop their true leaves and are sturdy enough, they can be transplanted outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and temperatures are reliably warm.
