Antirrhinum majus 'Black Prince'
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SNAPDRAGON
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Pronounced: an-tih-RI-num MAY-jus
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Short-lived perennial, usually grown as an annual.
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Mature size: Height: 18 inches (45 cm).
Flowering period: Summer until frost.
Flowering attributes: Racemes of deep crimson flowers.
Leaf attributes: Lance-shaped, bronze leaves.
Light: Full sun.
Soil: Moist, humus rich, well-drained soil.
Feeding: Use a complete organic fertilizer when planting. If the plants winter over, side dress with fertilizer and compost in spring.
Propagation Methods: Sow seed January to March at 68-86°F (20-30°C).
Pruning Methods: Deadhead flowers to prolong blooming.
Pests and Diseases: Rust and botrytis may be problematic. Aphids, spider mites and caterpillars may be troublesome. None have caused problems in my garden.
Rainy Side Notes
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I grew A. 'Black Prince' in front of Bells of Ireland (Moluccella laevis) this year, which really made the deep crimson snapdragon flowers and dark leaves "pop" in front of the light green flowers of Bells of Ireland. As a cut flower, it is outstanding. If wintered over it will begin to flower in May; in my garden, the plants continued flowering through November.
For the vase, cut flowers when about 1/3 of the flowers are open or approximately eight flowers. Flowers persist 5-8 days in water.
All parts of the plant are poisonous; do not ingest! Snapdragons are great bee plants.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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