Phoenix

Antirrhinum «Phoениx» is a decorative plant of the cabbage family, valued for its bright and large flowers, as well as a long flowering period. The culture belongs to Mediterranean perennials, but under temperate climate conditions is usually grown as an annual. Plant height varies from 15 to 100 cm; stems are smooth and covered with glandular hairs, sometimes stained with anthocyanins.

Antirrhinum leaves are arranged oppositely in the lower part of the stem and alternately above. They have a length of 6–7 cm and a lanceolate or elongated-oval shape. Flowers are collected in raceme inflorescences, consisting of 10–65 pieces, which open from bottom to top every few days. The corolla consists of five petals, forming a tube with a two-lipped lip – lower (short) and upper (two petals). Flowers can be white, yellow, pink, red, purple, burgundy, as well as two- and three-colored. The duration of one flower is about 12 days; total flowering time of the plant is 3–3.5 months.

For successful cultivation of antirrhinum «Phoenix» requires moderate watering, good drainage and sufficient sunlight. Soils should be fertile, moist and well-drained – loamy or sandy-loam options are best. Seeds are sown in open ground at the end of June–early July (or seedling method in February–March for annual flowering). When transplanting plants are usually done at the end of August, and pricking out is carried out at the stage of two true leaves. This plant is perfect for landscaping flower beds, borders, pots and balcony boxes thanks to its compactness (15–20 cm) and unpretentious care.