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Perennial blooms

Snapdragon is so called because its shape resembles a dragon's mouth

The antirrhinum, a genus of about 40 species of perennials and semi-evergreen sub-shrubs belonging to the family Scrophulariaceae, has its origin in the Mediterranean region. The name refers to the shape of the flower, which resembles a dragon's mouth and is derived from the Greek rhis, which means nose.

Antirrhinum majus is an erect woody-based shrub growing up to 25 cm high. The leaves are narrow, entire, lance-shaped, alternate, glossy and deep green, borne on branching stems.

Flowers are about 3.5 cm long and upright with dense racemes. They are fragrant and two-lipped with spreading, rounded, upper and lower lobes and reddish purple with yellow throat (in wild forms). Those that are cultivated occur in a wide range of colours and combinations, white and yellow through to mauve, scarlet and crimson. They bloom throughout summer. Antirrhinums are more suitable for bedding and grouped in borders to provide clumps of colour and make excellent cut flowers.

For propagation, sow the seeds in seed pans. When the seedlings are about 5 cm tall transfer them into pots or in beds. Plant about four plants in each pot and in beds with a distance of 10 cm. The plants will start flowering in about six weeks. The plants thrive well in partial shade. Apply liquid fertilizer every month.

Propagation by seeds and softwood cuttings is also possible. Grow them in any good, well-cultivated, well-drained, light soil in full sun. Cultivated forms are usually grown as annuals. Pinch the withered heads to prolong flowering.

Chitra Radhakrishnan

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