Twinny Mix

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.

Variety description

It is a compact variety with very attractive butterfly-like double flowers. Does not require vernalization. Brightly coloured mix attractive to bees and bumblebees. Has a strong branching that starts low at the base of the plant. Can be grown in pots ø10 up to 14 (especially in Mediterranean climates with an autumn cycle).The plant is very cold-hardy. In cultivation, however, do not go below 6°c to prevent the flower buttons from dropping.

Curiosities 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 distribution

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 early spring to early autumn for between 130 and 160 days, representing one of the first blooms visited by bees and bumblebees.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence raceme or cluster.

Leaf colour

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 between 0.2 and 0.3 m, so it is not a bulky presence, but nevertheless important for its highly decorative flowering.

Lifespan

Cultivated mainly as an annual plant.

Where to plant

Possible settings are in flower beds, balconies, outdoor tubs, borders, 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

The stem is herbaceous; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower has a double, small form, with petals in one or two colours. It is arranged in raceme or cluster inflorescences of medium size. It flowers from early spring to early autumn, with a flowering period of between 130 and 160 days. It exudes a sweet, delicate fragrance. It is attractive to bees, butterflies and bumblebees.

Growth

Variety with compact growth.

Plant habit

Plant habit allows for scenic perspective compositions.

Branching

Branching is abundant.

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.

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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 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

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.

Difficulty

It is considered an easy plant to grow and manage.

Growing tips

The following conditions are necessary for optimal growth:
At least 10 hours of daylight 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 proper development of each specimen and thus achieve 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.

Propagation

Multiplication can take place from seed.

Watering

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. Subsequently, 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.

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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

Toxicity to pets not known; consider the specific case and consult 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.

Toxicity for humans

Toxicity not known, avoid ingestion.

Tip

The variety requires very sunny locations but not high temperatures. In fact, there is a greater risk of dry spells spoiling the beautiful flowering for some time. Consequently full sun is only preferable for areas with such an altitude that the daily maximum temperatures are lower, such as in the hills or mountains.