Orietta F1 (sonnet)

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Plantaginaceae

Order

Lamiales

Genus

Antirrhinum

Species

majus

Description

An ornamental herbaceous plant known as Lion's Mouth, with compact growth and an upright habit. Easy to manage, it is used in landscaping in flowerbeds and borders as well as to decorate terraces and balconies in planters, even in compositions with different species or other varieties in order to achieve a fine colour balance. Flowering is manifested by showy, conspicuous flowers with a characteristic corolla which, as the common name reminds us, resemble a lion's mouth or in some varieties are similar to butterflies, and a wide colour range with many bright intermediate shades that are well liked by useful insects such as bees, bumblebees and butterflies.

Varietal description

It is a vigorous variety, reaching a final height of 40-50 cm. Medium-late flowering. Needs a day length of 12 h. to flower. Very fragrant, attracts bees and bumblebees. Can be grown in 12-14 pots. The mature plant has strong, vigorous roots, ideal for landscape use where it can reach 60 cm. in height. The main stem is surrounded by numerous flower spikes. Usage is in half and full sun. Does not need much heat in cultivation

curiosity and special features

In antiquity, it was considered to ward off evil spirits, which is why it was often planted in front of house entrances. In the Middle Ages, theA. majus flower was also a symbol of indifference and capriciousness, as women placed it in their hair as an ornament to make unwelcome suitors publicly understand their sentimental rejection. There are varieties used as cut flowers to make exquisite flower arrangements while others whose flowers are used in industry to extract dyes.

Other varieties have the particularity of being used not only for ornamental purposes, but also for therapeutic and cosmetic use. In particular, already in Nero's time, the Greek physician and botanist Dioscorides Pedanio appreciated the seeds of the plant because an oil was extracted from them which, combined with the oil extracted from the seeds of the lily, made the skin more beautiful; not all varieties can be used for this purpose.

The generic epithet, Antirrhinum, derives from Greek and means 'like a snout' in reference to the shape of the corolla of the flowers, while the term majus comes from Latin and is equivalent to 'larger'.

Origin and Diffusion

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

The typical habitats of the wild species are stony places such as stony ground, old sunny walls and the edges of paths where it can also grow wild.

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

Flower size

The flower individually is small, lending elegance to the showy inflorescence.

Leaf

Leaf has a lanceolate lamina.

Flowering period

A variety whose flowering period lasts from late spring to mid-autumn for 150 to 180 days, representing one of the first blooms visited by bees and bumblebees.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence raceme or cluster.

Leaf color

The colouring of the leaf is solid, in perfect colour balance with the bright shades of the flowers.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.35 to 0.6 m, so it is not a bulky presence, but nevertheless important for its highly decorative flowering.

Lifespan

Cultivated mainly as an annual plant.

Suggested planting locations

Possible settings are in flower beds, outdoor tubs, planters

The lion's mouth is a very interesting and decorative solution even in small green spaces where flowering prevails and decorates significantly and, at the same time, creates a hospitable environment for butterflies and other pollinating insects, helping to recreate a situation of biodiversity that is increasingly in demand and welcome in our spaces, including urban ones.

Stem/stem

The stem is herbaceous; the variety 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 late spring to mid-autumn, with a flowering period of between 150 and 180 days. It has sweet notes and is intensely fragrant, with a delicate aroma. It is attractive to bees, butterflies and bumblebees.

Growth

Variety with vigorous growth.

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 transplanting, carry out light digging, removing any weeds, residues of previous crops and bulky stones, then bury slow-release organic or chemical fertiliser and break up the coarsest clods to obtain greater softness. In order to improve drainage of excess water, continue by creating a raised flowerbed by lightly bouldering, and carefully level the surface.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

sun exposure

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

Ideal climate and temperature

The biological temperature is between 4 and 32 °C. The ideal temperature is between 16 and 20 °C; the most suitable climate is therefore temperate. The vital temperature is between -2 and 34 °C. The latter is a very wide temperature range in which the plant can survive and then resume vegetation and flowering when more suitable climatic situations arise again, in the presence of the temperatures described as ideal.

Use

It is considered ideal as a plant in
Outdoor ornamental Landscaping In fact, it is suitable for a variety of environments, both of small size, where it can be the main decorative component, and of larger size where it can be combined with other flowering plants.

Hardiness

A variety of medium hardiness, it will guarantee highly ornamental results with a few simple cultivation measures regarding exposure and irrigation.

Soil/medium

In flowerbeds, a medium-textured or sandy, well-draining soil is recommended for optimum root and aerial growth. For use in planters and tubs, use a substrate for spring plants based on peat and perlite.

Maintenance

It is considered an easy plant to grow and manage.

cultivation tips

The following conditions are necessary for optimal growth:
At least 10 hours of daylight Expose the plant to maximum light

Composition

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 26 plants per square metre is recommended in order to ensure proper development of each specimen and thus obtain a proportionate final composition. Transplant each plant making sure that the lump is well moistened and without damaging the young roots, also water immediately after planting.

Reproduction/Propagation

Multiplication can take place from seed.

Irrigation

Userainwater, alternatively from the aqueduct or canal, either manually or by irrigation. When transplanting, assist the seedling to adapt properly to its new site, avoiding desiccation and keeping the soil at a constant humidity but free from waterlogging. Afterwards, it is advisable to allow the soil or substrate to dry out slightly between one intervention and the next, always checking before intervening and preventing dry strikes resulting in buds and flowers drying out.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilization

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 friendly

Toxicity to pets not known; consider the specific case and consult with your veterinarian in case of ingestion.

Edibility for humans

The flower of some varieties is considered edible, potentially used in the preparation of ice cream, yoghurt and salads or to season meat and pasta. Not all varieties are edible.

Human toxicity

Toxicity not known, avoid ingestion.

advise 1

When growing in pots for the summer period, ensure the plant has a good volume of soil to avoid water shortages on hot days, which could ruin the flowering for a week.