Elettra White

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Plantaginaceae

Order

Lamiales

Genus

Snapdragon

Species

majus

Description

An ornamental herbaceous plant known as snapdragon, with a compact growth habit and an upright habit. Easy to care for, it is used in landscaping for flowerbeds and borders, as well as to decorate terraces and balconies in planters, often combined with different species or other varieties to achieve a refined colour balance. It produces striking, showy flowers with a distinctive corolla which, as the common name suggests, resemble a lion’s mouth or, in some varieties, butterflies, and come in a wide range of colours with many bright intermediate shades that are highly attractive to beneficial insects such as bees, bumblebees and butterflies.

Variety description

It is a compact, early-flowering variety suitable for short growing cycles. It does not require vernalisation. Highly fragrant, it attracts bees and bumblebees from early spring onwards. It can be grown both in seed trays and in 14-cm pots (particularly in Mediterranean climates with an autumn growing cycle). When grown in a bed, the plant can withstand temperatures as low as -3°C without damage. When growing in pots, do not allow temperatures to fall below 6°C to prevent flower buds from dropping.

Curiosities and special features

In ancient times, it was believed to ward off evil spirits, which is why it was often planted in front of the entrance to homes, furthermore, in the Middle Ages, the flowerof A. majus symbolised indifference and capriciousness, as women would wear it in their hair to publicly signal their romantic rejection to unwelcome suitors. Some varieties are used as cut flowers to create elegant floral arrangements, whilst others are used industrially to extract dyes from their flowers.

Other varieties are distinctive in that they are used not only for ornamental purposes but also for therapeutic and cosmetic applications; in particular, as far back as Nero’s time, the Greek physician and botanist Dioscorides Pedanius valued the plant’s seeds because an oil was extracted from them which, when combined with that extracted from lily seeds, made the skin more beautiful; not all varieties are suitable for this purpose.

The generic name, Antirrhinum, derives from Greek and means ‘like a snout’, referring to the shape of the flowers’ corolla, whilst the term majus derives from Latin and means ‘larger’.

Origin and distribution

Native to southern Europe and North Africa, particularly Morocco, Portugal, France, Turkey and Syria; it is now widespread throughout the Mediterranean basin up to an altitude of 800 metres above sea level.

The typical habitats of the wild species are stony areas such as scree slopes, old sun-exposed walls and the edges of footpaths, where it can also grow wild.

The species was given its scientific name by the Swedish biologist Linnaeus in the 18th century.

Flower size

The individual flower is small, lending elegance to the striking inflorescence.

Leaf

Leaf has a lanceolate lamina.

Flowering period

A variety whose flowering period extendsfrom early spring to mid-autumn and lasts between 150 and 180 days, making it one of the first flowers to be visited by bees and bumblebees.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence raceme or cluster.

Leaf colour

The colour of the leaf isa solid shade, in perfect chromatic harmony with the vibrant hues of the flowers.

Plant height

The plant grows to a height of between 0.15 and 0.22 m; it is therefore not a bulky plant, but is nonetheless important for its highly decorative flowers.

Lifespan

Cultivated mainly as an annual plant.

Where to plant

Suitable locations includeflowerbeds, balconies, outdoor planters, pots and window boxes

Snapdragons are a very interesting and decorative option even in small green spaces, where their blooms take centre stage and add a striking decorative touch whilst, at the same time, creating a welcoming environment for butterflies and other pollinating insects, helping to foster the biodiversity that is increasingly sought after and appreciated in our spaces, including urban ones.

Stem

The stem isherbaceous; the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in form, small in size, with a tubular corolla and plain petals. It is arranged in raceme or cluster inflorescences of medium size. It flowers from early spring to mid-autumn, with a flowering period of between 150 and 180 days. It is sweet-scented, with a delicate aroma. It is attractive to bees, butterflies and bumblebees.

Growth

A variety with acompact growth habit.

Plant habit

Plant habit allows for scenic perspective compositions.

Branching

Branching is Medium.

PH

The optimal pH values of the medium or Soil/medium range from a minimum of 5.2 to a maximum of 6.2.

Soil preparation

To prepare the soil for spring planting, lightly dig over the area, removing any weeds, residues from previous crops and large stones; then work in some organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser and break up any large clods to make the soil looser. To improve drainage of excess water, continue by creating a raised bed by gently mounding the soil, and then carefully level the surface.

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Sun exposure

For best Growth and thriving flowering expose the plant to half shade, full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The biological temperature ranges from 4 to 32 °C.The ideal temperature is between 16 and 20 °C; the most suitable climate is therefore a temperate one. The survival temperature ranges from -2 to 34 °C. Thisis a very wide temperature range within which the plant can survive and then resume growth and flowering when more suitable climatic conditions return, in the presence of the temperatures described as ideal.

Use

It is considered ideal as a plant for
Outdoor ornamental use Landscaping It is, in fact, well-suited to a variety of settings, ranging from smaller spaces, where it can serve as the main decorative feature, to larger areas where it can be combined with other flowering plants.

Hardiness

Amoderately hardy variety, it will produce highly ornamental results with a few simple cultivation tips regarding exposure and watering.

Soil

In flowerbeds, a medium-textured or slightly sandy, well-drained soil is recommended to ensure optimal growth of both the root system and the above-ground parts of the plant. For use in planters and pots, use a substrate for spring-flowering plants made from peat and perlite.

Difficulty

It is considered aneasy plant to grow and look after.

Growing tips

The following conditions are necessary to achieve optimal growth:
A day length of at least 10 hours of light Expose the plant to maximum light

Combinations with other plants

To create perspective and formally balanced effects, it is recommended to use them in composition with other ornamentals such as Lobelia erinus, Lobularia maritima, Salvia farinacea.

Planting

For use in flowerbeds, an average planting density of 30 plants per square metre is recommended in order to ensure that each plant develops properly, thus achieving a well-proportioned final arrangement. Transplant each plant, ensuring that the root ball is well moistened and taking care not to damage the young roots; water immediately after planting.

Propagation

Propagation can take place from seed.

Watering

Userainwater, or alternatively tap water or canal water, either manually or via an irrigation system. When transplanting, support the seedling to ensure it adapts properly to its new location, preventing it from drying out and maintaining the soil at a constant moisture level without allowing water to become waterlogged. Thereafter, it is advisable to allow the soil or growing medium to dry out slightly between watering sessions, always checking the moisture levels before watering and preventing periods of drought which could cause buds and flowers to wither.

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Fertilising

During pre-transplant soil preparation, carry out background fertilisation by burying slow-release organic or chemical fertiliser. After proper establishment in the new planting site, during the spring-summer period, apply a balanced fertiliser suitable for ornamental Species to the soil or medium at the foot of the plant, without exceeding the frequency and doses applied.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Pet safety

No toxicity to pets is known; assess the specific circumstances and consult your vet in the event of ingestion.

Edibility for humans

The flowers of some varieties are considered edible and can potentially be used in the preparation of ice cream, yoghurt and salads, or as a garnish for meat and pasta. Not all varieties are edible.

Toxicity for humans

Toxicity unknown; avoid ingestion.

Tip

When growing the plant in a pot during the summer, ensure it has a good amount of soil to prevent it from drying out on the hottest days, as this could disrupt flowering for a week.