Characteristics and care of Antirrhinum

The Antirrhine it is a very pretty flower that needs very little to keep well. In addition, it has a very high ornamental value, since it not only reaches a more than interesting height to be able to plant it in the garden or in a pot, but it also produces very curious and cheerful flowers.

Whether you are a beginner or not, have a copy is always more than enough reason to smile. Find out.

Origin and characteristics

The Antirrhinum, whose scientific name is Antirrhinus major, is a biennial plant native to the Mediterraneanspecifically from Morocco, Portugal and southern France to eastern Turkey and Syria. It is popularly known as Dragon’s Mouth, Lion’s Mouth, Antirrino, Calf, Bunnies, Dragonaria, Little Dragonflies, Zapaticos de la Virgen, Flor de Sapo or Dragones.

It is characterized by reach a height of between 1,5 and 2 meterswith a somewhat woody base. It develops erect stems from which sprout opposite and linear leaves 1-7cm long by 1-25mm wide, with entire margins.

Flowerswhich appear in the spring of the second year after sowing. they are grouped in inflorescences in terminal racemes, each measuring about 5cm and they can be of different colors: yellow, pink, red, orange. The fruit is a capsule up to 14mm long with three pores.

What are the care you need?

If you want to get a copy, we recommend providing the following care:

Location

So that your antirrhinum can be fine, it needs to be placed outsidein a sunny exposure.

Earth

• Flower pot: you can use the universal substrate that they sell already prepared in any nursery or here! mixed with 30% perlite (you can buy it here!).
• the garden: it is indifferent, but it will root better – and therefore will have a better development – if the land is fertile and has good drainage.

Irrigation

The frequency of irrigation will depend on the season of the year in which we are as well as the climate in the area. But to have a guide you should know that you have to water more often during the months when it does not rain much or not at all, and less in the rainy season.

But … how often? So so, about 3-4 times a week in summer and a little less the rest of the year. If you have it planted in a pot with a plate underneath, remember, especially in autumn and winter, to remove any excess water ten minutes after watering, otherwise its root system would rot.

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Throughout the growing season, that is, from the beginning of spring to the end of summer, it is highly recommended to fertilize it with a liquid fertilizerlike this one here!, following the indications specified on the product packaging. In the case of having it in the garden, you can add egg and / or banana shells, tea bags, and / or vegetables that are no longer edible.

Planting or transplanting time

You can plant your antirrhinum in the garden or move it to a larger pot in spring, as soon as the risk of frost has passed.

Pests

It can be affected by the following pests:

• Aphids: they are very small insects that measure about 0,5cm in color green, yellow or brown. They perch on the most tender leaves and flowers, from where they feed. To control them, the ideal is to place yellow sticky traps (you can buy them here!) near the plant.
• Mealybugs: They are cottony or limpet-like parasites that feed on the sap of the leaves. They are fought with specific insecticides, such as this one from here!.
• Mites: they attack the flowers, causing the petals to have a poor development. They are fought with acaricides, like this one from here!.

Diseases

It can be affected by the following:

• Rust: It is a fungus that is manifested by the appearance of small brownish pustules on the leaves, stems and flowers. It is fought with Bordeaux mixture.
• Botrytis: it is a fungus that is manifested by the appearance of a grayish powder on the leaves. It is fought with fungicides such as zineb.
• Mildew: it is a fungus that causes the appearance of yellow spots that turn brown on the underside of the leaves. Over time, in humid environments, white mold forms. It is fought with fungicides.

Multiplication

The wallflower multiplies by seeds in spring-summer. For it, proceed as follows:

1. The first thing to do is fill a pot of about 10,5cm in diameter with universal growing substrate.
2. Afterwards, a maximum of 3 seeds are placed in the container, as far apart as they can be, and covered with a thin layer of substrate.
3. Finally, it is watered and the pot is placed outside, in full sun or in semi-shade.

The first will germinate in about 10-14 days.

Rusticity

Withstands cold and frost up to -4ºC without being damaged, but you have to think that it is biennial: after flowering and producing seeds, the plant will wither even if the weather is warm.

For what do you use it?

Ornamental

The Antirrhinum is a precious plant, which can be kept in a pot or in the garden. As we have seen, it does not require much care, so … why wait to have a copy?

Medicinal

Is used as astringent, detersive, hepatic, diuretic. It can also be used to treat hemorrhoids, against ulcerations of the oral cavity in gargles, and also against colitis and heartburn.

What did you think of this plant?