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Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Have You Seen the New Butterfly Snapdragons?...

A "Butterfly" or "Open-faced" Snapdragon: Antirrhinum majus 'Trumpet Tangerine'
I first noticed these pretty new snapdragon varieties when they were popular on Pinterest: white snapdragon, 'Le Bella'.  What a beauty! So when were attended the annual Spring Flower Show at Phipps Conservatory again this year, I ran to get a closer look at this new snapdragon.


Snapdragon, Antirrhinum majus 'Trumpet Tangerine'
The tangerine color of these beauties is intensified by the red curtain as a backdrop.
When used in isolation, they will require some staking, as seen in this display in the Sunken Garden.
When using taller plants in the garden, especially those with large flower heads and weaker stems, there will always be the issue of staking to keep things upright and looking their best. Here is this display garden, Phipps gardeners use these plastic covered metal stakes, which definitely work, but are not the least intrusive option in the garden.

A better solution that I have read about for years is to create a dome of sticks that surrounds your plant as it comes up... see here. I did this to help hold up my Madonna lilies last summer and it worked so much better than a single vertical stake with a tie. I am looking forward trying it out again this year.

And no matter how you do it, the earlier you stake, the better!

Photos of our spring work coming up soon!
~Julie

Linked this week to Creative Country Mom

14 comments:

  1. UnknownApril 22, 2014 at 8:28 PM

    I love snapdragons! What an amazing array of colours!

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  2. Mindie HiltonApril 22, 2014 at 8:39 PM

    Beautiful pics of snapdragons, I always loved playing with snapdragons when I was little. Pleas come share at the Anything Goes weekly linky party, if you have not already.

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  3. Rita C at PanoplyApril 23, 2014 at 7:38 AM

    I just found your blog by sourcing back to a photo I pinned from someone else (it was the finial statue at Gov Palace, Williamsburg). I am a gardener also, and my blog chronicles that, along with my antiquing ventures (and other life stuff!). I've joined your circle, and look forward to sharing with you. You're welcome in my garden anytime!
    Rita C at Panoply

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    Replies
    1. Wife, Mother, GardenerApril 23, 2014 at 4:19 PM

      Nice to meet you Rita! Looking forward to looking around your garden.
      ~Julie

      Delete
  4. LizApril 23, 2014 at 9:33 AM

    How pretty are those? I will have to keep my eyes open for them!

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  5. _emily_roseApril 23, 2014 at 9:45 AM

    Those are so pretty, and I love the dome idea!! I just put a tomato cage over my peony. I know it will work and be helpful, but it is such an eye sore in a bed that is not completely filled in.

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    Replies
    1. Wife, Mother, GardenerApril 23, 2014 at 4:21 PM

      Thanks Emily! There is nothing wrong with a cage if that is what works for you this year. Just give the sticks a try sometime :)
      ~Julie

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  6. PaulineApril 23, 2014 at 11:14 AM

    Such a pretty colour, will have to watch for them over here!

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  7. dorothyApril 23, 2014 at 2:48 PM

    I really like the colors in the 'Trumpet Tangerine' snapdragon. I haven't seen it in any of our local nurseries so thank you for sharing the photos. And what a good idea for staking plants with stick domes. I'll have to try that. I should begin colecting twigs now!

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    Replies
    1. Wife, Mother, GardenerApril 23, 2014 at 4:23 PM

      Thanks Dorothy! I was just thinking that I need to start making as pile of sticks as well :) Happy gardening!
      ~Julie

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  8. Pam's English GardenApril 27, 2014 at 1:56 PM

    Hello Julie, I started a flat of snapdragons from seed last month, but not the 'Trumpet Tangerine' which are such a pretty color. I'll have to search for them. I love your stick domes -- must go outside right now and stop H.H. from chipping all the smaller fallen branches. P. x

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  9. GRACE PETERSONMay 5, 2014 at 6:00 PM

    I've been pinching my taller perennials to keep them shorter and bushier. I tried it last year with a few asters and it worked beautifully so I'm going all out this year. I love those Snaps. I saw them on Annie's Annuals. I didn't purchase them though. Maybe I need to rethink that. :)

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