Snapdragon Antirrhinum majus 'Montego Pink' (Montego Series)
ABOUT
The Montego Pink snapdragon is a captivating plant that boasts a series of charming pink flowers. Each blossom is shaped like a dragon's mouth, which is where it gets its common name, snapdragon. The flowers are delicately arranged along a long spike, presenting a gradient of pink shades that range from soft, pastel hues to more vibrant, deeper pinks. The petals have a soft, velvety texture and may have some slight variations in color, creating a striking visual effect. The foliage of the Montego Pink snapdragon is a lush green, forming a nice contrast with the pink flowers. The leaves are typically medium-sized, lance-shaped, and have a slightly glossy finish. They are arranged in a way that provides a full, bushy appearance, contributing to the overall lush look of the plant. The stems are sturdy and upright, supporting the weight of the blooms gracefully. When in full bloom, the Montego Pink snapdragon brings a touch of elegance and vibrant color to any garden or container. Its flowers are often sought after for their aesthetic appeal and are popular among gardeners looking to create a soft color palette in their outdoor spaces. The plant's ability to produce an abundance of flowers makes it particularly striking when planted in groups or along borders, where its pink blossoms can create a continuous wave of color.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Snapdragon, Dragon Flower, Dog's Mouth, Lion's Mouth, Toad's Mouth
Common names
Antirrhinum majus 'Montego Pink'.
ToxicityTo humans
Snapdragon, which is the common name for Antirrhinum majus, including the 'Montego Pink' variety, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting snapdragons. Therefore, no specific symptoms of poisoning are associated with this plant. Accidental ingestion should not cause any harm, but as with any non-food plant, individual sensitivities can vary, and caution is always advised.
To pets
Snapdragon, which is the common name for Antirrhinum majus, including the 'Montego Pink' variety, is also typically non-toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. It is not listed amongst plants known to cause serious harm if ingested by pets. Therefore, it is unlikely that consuming parts of the snapdragon plant would result in poisoning symptoms in pets. However, some pets might have a sensitivity or a mild gastrointestinal reaction if they ingest plant material. If any unusual symptoms arise after ingestion, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot 4-6 inches (30-40 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to grow: Antirrhinum, commonly known as Snapdragons, is hardy and straightforward to cultivate, making it ideal for novice gardeners.
- Attracts pollinators: Snapdragons are known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden, which can help pollinate nearby plants.
- Colorful blooms: The Montego Pink Snapdragon offers vibrant pink flowers that can add a pop of color to any landscape or garden setting.
- Extended flowering period: Snapdragons typically have a long blooming season, which means you can enjoy their flowers from spring to fall.
- Versatile in use: These plants are suitable for planting in flower beds, borders, containers, and as cut flowers in floral arrangements.
- Deer resistance: Snapdragons are known to be resistant to deer, which helps prevent damage to the garden.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, Snapdragons have moderate drought tolerance, which makes them suitable for a variety of climates and conditions.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Subjects: Snapdragons, with their vivid colors and unique shapes, can be a striking subject for photographers keen on capturing the beauty of flowers in their work.
- Education: Snapdragons can be used in educational settings to teach students about plant biology, pollination, and the lifecycle of flowering plants.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Dried snapdragon petals can be used as biodegradable confetti for celebrations, offering an eco-friendly alternative to plastic varieties.
- Natural Dyes: The petals of snapdragons can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, offering a range of colors from different cultivars of the plant.
- Art Supplies: Pressed snapdragon flowers can be used by artists as a natural embellishment in papermaking or to add a unique touch to handmade greeting cards.
- Edible Garnishes: Snapdragon flowers are edible, although not particularly flavorful, and can be used as a decorative garnish for salads and desserts.
- Floral Ice Cubes: Individual snapdragon blooms can be frozen into ice cubes to create visually interesting and edible additions to beverages.
- Herbarium Specimens: Snapdragons can be preserved and added to herbarium collections for scientific study or as a hobby for plant enthusiasts.
- Theme Gardens: Incorporating snapdragons into a theme garden, such as a Shakespearean garden or a fairytale theme, where their distinctive shape adds interest and supports the theme narrative.
- Phototropism Demonstrations: Snapdragons exhibit phototropism, the orientation of a plant in response to light, which makes them suitable for science experiments or demonstrations of this phenomenon.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiSnapdragon, which is the most common name for Antirrhinum majus, can be used in Feng Shui to introduce vibrant energy and encourage movement in stagnant areas of a home. As a flowering plant, Snapdragons bring the Wood element which symbolizes growth and vitality. Pink Snapdragons like 'Montego Pink' can be used in the Southwest area to enhance love and marriage prospects or in personal living spaces to create a gentle, nourishing energy.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Snapdragon is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Deception: The snapdragon's closed-mouth look can be associated with keeping secrets, as it requires pressure to be opened, which can symbolize concealment or discretion.
- Grace: The elegant and tall stems with vibrant flowers bring a feeling of grace and poise in gardens, symbolizing beauty and refinement.
- Strength: Snapdragons can grow in rocky areas and can often symbolize strength, resilience, and the ability to flourish in difficult environments.
- Graciousness: The snapdragon is sometimes considered a symbol of graciousness, representing kindness and courteous goodwill.
- Protection: In folklore, snapdragons were thought to offer protection from deceit and curses, as well as to ward off evil when planted around castles and homes.
WaterSnapdragons, like the Montego Pink Snapdragon, prefer to be watered deeply but infrequently. Aim to water when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, watering once a week with about an inch of water should suffice, but this can vary depending on weather conditions and soil type. During the hottest parts of summer, you may need to water twice a week. It’s best to water early in the morning directly at the base of the plant to reduce leaf wetness and discourage diseases.
LightSnapdragons such as the Montego Pink Snapdragon thrive in full sun to partial shade. They require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The ideal location will be one that receives the morning sun and has some afternoon protection from the intense heat, especially in hotter zones.
TemperatureMontego Pink Snapdragons prefer moderate temperatures and will perform best in conditions ranging from 40°F at night to 75°F during the day. They can tolerate a few degrees of frost, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing may damage the plant. Conversely, temperatures consistently above 85°F may cause the snapdragon to stop blooming.
PruningPrune Montego Pink Snapdragons by deadheading spent flowers to encourage further blooming. Cut back the plant by one-third after the first wave of blooming has finished to promote a second flush of flowers. The best time for this rejuvenating prune is midsummer or when the plants have significantly declined in bloom.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSnapdragons like well-draining soil with rich organic matter and require a pH between 6.2 to 7.0. A mixture of two parts peat, one part loam, and one part sand or perlite forms the best soil mix for the plant's healthy growth.
RepottingSnapdragons typically do not require frequent repotting, as they are often grown as annuals. Repot only if the plant outgrows its container, which could be every 1 to 2 years.
Humidity & MistingSnapdragons thrive in moderate humidity levels. They can adapt to ordinary outdoor humidity conditions well and do not require any special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, keep soil moderately moist.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, moderate moisture.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 7-11.
Life cycleAntirrhinum majus 'Montego Pink', commonly known as Snapdragon, starts its life as a seed often sown indoors in late winter or directly outdoors after the threat of frost has passed. Germination occurs in 1-2 weeks, and seedlings emerge, requiring ample light for healthy growth. The plant goes through a vegetative stage, where leaves and stems grow rapidly, preparing for the flowering phase. Flowering typically begins in late spring or early summer, producing vibrant pink blooms that attract pollinators and can continue into fall with proper care and deadheading. As a perennial, the snapdragon may enter a period of dormancy during cold weather, though it is often treated as an annual and replanted each year. The plant completes its lifecycle when it sets seed after flowering; seeds can be collected for propagation or allowed to self-sow if conditions are favorable.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Snapdragons, particularly the Antirrhinum majus 'Montego Pink', can be propagated through seed sowing. The best time to sow Snapdragon seeds indoors is about 6 to 10 weeks before the last frost date. Sow the seeds lightly on the surface of a well-drained seed starting mix as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist and at a temperature of about 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 Celsius). Germination typically occurs within 1 to 2 weeks. Once seedlings have sprouted and the risk of frost has passed, they can be hardened off and transplanted to their final location outdoors. It's important to space the plants about 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 centimeters) apart to ensure adequate airflow and growth room.
