Snapdragon Antirrhinum majus 'La Bella Rose' (La Bella Series)
ABOUT
The plant known by the most common name Snapdragon and specifically 'La Bella Rose' from the La Bella Series, presents an appealing aesthetic with its beautiful flowers. The Snapdragon 'La Bella Rose' boasts charming blooms that display an enchanting shade of rose pink, exuding a romantic and classic garden feel. The flowers are characterized by their distinct, dragon-like face, which is where the Snapdragon name originates. These blooms are arranged neatly on a tall, upright flower spike, creating an eye-catching vertical element in any garden display. The petals have a velvety texture, which not only adds a tactile quality to the display but also contributes to the plant's lush appearance. Each flower is comprised of a tubular base that flares open at the mouth into a wide, bilaterally symmetrical lip. The blooms can give off a gentle, pleasing fragrance that makes them even more desirable in a garden setting. The foliage of the Snapdragon 'La Bella Rose' consists of medium green leaves that are lance-shaped, adding an additional layer of texture beneath the vibrant flower display. Overall, the plant gives an impression of a quintessential cottage garden specimen, with a touch of whimsy and elegance inherent in its delightful blooms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae.
Synonyms
Snapdragon, Dragon Flower, Dog's Mouth, Lion's Mouth, Toad's Mouth.
Common names
Antirrhinum majus 'La Bella Rose'
ToxicityTo humans
Snapdragon, which is the common name for Antirrhinum majus 'La Bella Rose', is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of the plant typically does not lead to serious poisoning. However, consuming large quantities of any plant material can cause stomach upset or discomfort as a result of the unusual plant compounds and fibrous matter.
To pets
Snapdragon, the common name for Antirrhinum majus 'La Bella Rose', is also considered non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. Ingesting parts of this plant should not cause serious harm or toxic reactions in pets. However, as with humans, ingestion of plant material can possibly lead to mild gastrointestinal irritation, including upset stomach or vomiting, especially if consumed in large quantities.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Antirrhinum majus 'La Bella Rose', also known as Snapdragon, adds vibrant color and texture to gardens and landscapes with its beautiful rosy blooms.
- Attracts Pollinators: Snapdragons are known for attracting beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for the pollination of many plants and crops.
- Long Blooming Period: These plants have a prolonged flowering season, providing color and interest in the garden for an extended period from spring to fall.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Snapdragons are suitable for borders, beds, and containers, offering flexibility in garden design and space utilization.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Snapdragons typically require minimal care beyond basic watering and occasional fertilization, making them a practical choice for busy gardeners.
- Deer Resistance: These plants are often resistant to deer, which can help prevent damage to gardens in areas where deer are prevalent.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Snapdragons can be used as a natural dye. The petals of 'La Bella Rose' can be simmered to extract soft pink or peach hues for dying fabrics or paper.
- The flowers can be added to salads or desserts for edible garnishing, providing an unusual touch and slight bitterness to culinary creations.
- They can be used in crafting perfumes due to their delicate scent, producing a light floral fragrance.
- Snapdragons are ideal for pressed flower art, as their blooms retain color and shape well when dried and pressed.
- The flowers can be frozen in ice cubes to create visually stunning additions to summer drinks or punch bowls.
- In eco-friendly confetti, dried petals of snapdragons can be used instead of paper or plastic confetti in celebrations.
- Snapdragons can be used to make natural potpourri by drying the blooms and adding essential oils to them.
- The hollow nature of the snapdragon blooms can inspire children's fairy crafting, being used to create miniature 'fairy' hats or cups in whimsical gardens.
- Used in photography, snapdragons can serve as a vividly colored subject or backdrop in macro and portrait photography.
- As a teaching tool, snapdragons can be used to demonstrate plant biology and pollination to students due to their interesting flower structure.
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 Graciousness: Antirrhinum majus, commonly known as Snapdragon, holds a dual meaning. One side suggests deception or concealment, owing to the flower's mouth-like form, which seems to keep secrets. The other side represents graciousness and benevolence.
- Strength: Snapdragons are also symbolic of strength and resilience. They can bloom in rocky, challenging conditions, representing the ability to withstand adversity.
- Protective Talisman: In the past, Snapdragons were thought to offer protection and were believed to guard against dishonesty, curses, and negative energy.
WaterSnapdragons like the Antirrhinum majus 'La Bella Rose' prefer consistent moisture, so it is best to water them deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. During hot, dry periods, water may be required more frequently. Ensure that the soil is moistened to a depth of at least an inch with each watering. For potted snapdragons, watering should be regular to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy, using about 1 gallon of water for large pots.
LightSnapdragons such as the 'La Bella Rose' thrive best in full sun, which means they should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. An ideal spot would be an area with unfiltered sunlight, away from significant shade from trees or buildings.
Temperature'La Bella Rose' snapdragons are cool-season flowers that can survive in a temperature range between 40 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They prefer cooler temperatures and the ideal temperature range for growth is between 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They may not perform well in high heat and can sustain damage if temperatures drop below freezing.
PruningSnapdragons like 'La Bella Rose' benefit from deadheading, which involves removing spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Prune them back in midsummer if they become leggy or after the first flush of blooms has faded. Doing so typically in late spring or early summer can promote a second round of flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSnapdragons prefer a well-draining soil mix with compost for fertility, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.2 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingSnapdragons are typically grown as annuals and do not usually require repotting; plant new seeds or starts annually for best results.
Humidity & MistingSnapdragons thrive in moderate humidity levels but are adaptable to a wide range of conditions, avoiding overly humid environments to prevent disease.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, good airflow, and cool nights for indoor snapdragons.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil after frost danger.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleSnapdragon 'La Bella Rose' (La Bella Series) begins its life as a seed, which, when sown in warm, moist soil in early spring, rapidly germinates. Seedlings then emerge and grow, developing true leaves and establishing a root system. As the plant matures, it enters a vegetative stage, forming a bushy structure with multiple stems and foliage before progressing to the flowering stage, typically by midsummer. During the flowering stage, the plant produces a series of distinctive rose-colored blooms that attract pollinators, after which pollinated flowers set seeds. As temperatures cool and daylight diminishes, the plant enters senescence, with flowers fading and foliage declining. Finally, the plant completes its annual cycle by dispersing seeds, either self-sowing for subsequent generation growth or collected for controlled propagation.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
The most popular way to propagate Snapdragon 'La Bella Rose' is through seed sowing. Start by sowing seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last predicted frost date. Remove any debris and use a well-draining seed starting mix, lightly pressing the seeds into the surface but not covering them completely as they need light to germinate. Maintain moisture by watering gently and keep the soil temperature around 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit (18-21 degrees Celsius). Germination should occur in 10-21 days. Once seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, they can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions and transplanted to the garden after the danger of frost has passed.
