It's Gardeners' Bloom Day again, and what have I got on the balcony? Bloomin' antirrhinums. Well, what else were you expecting in December?
I've written before about how, though usually considered as annuals, antirrhinums are actually perennials and will put up with a lot. This plant is about four years old by now, and has been snowed on regularly. The microclimate on the balcony protects it from long periods below freezing, but they're tougher than the gardening books sometimes make out. They're usually classed as "half-hardy", but in my experience it's nearer three-quarters.
What I didn't mention before though was the fact not only will it survive the winter, but you'll also get flowers. It's a bit like with winter flowering pansies - although their "real" flowering period is the spring, they'll also put out a few blooms around Christmas. Well, mine do anyway. Last year I thought it was just a freak occurrence, but now it's happening again with the same plant. It's got four or five flower spikes in bud at the moment.
OK, it's nothing compared to May. But at this time of year I reckon you have to be grateful for what you can get. So thank you little plant, and may you bloom on happily all through the cold months to come.
11 comments:
Actually I was expecting to see the pansies/violas in December Gardener's Blooms Day from temperate gardeners, but I was not disappointed coz Antirrhinums are a treat too.
Lovely to see these blooming after your snow - and more about to open by the look of the buds! At this time of the year it's nice to see anything flowering, but these are especially pretty.
Sue, you're quite right - one must be grateful for every lilltle bloomer in December!
Katarina
Yes, every little bloom is special. And your antirrhinums appear to be blooming very well for you;) Of course, I have no idea what that is...never heard of it! I have a lot to learn about plants! Take care, Jan
I've had snapdragons last a couple years but I don't think any have made it to four! Nice job!
Ooooh very pretty and survivors too
What a sweet little Snapdragon! Especially, and even sweeter, because of the time and place and rarity of bloom just now. Mine never survive our summertime heat.
Wow, a four year old Antirrhinum? That seems incredible for something I consider an annual.
Thanks for joining in for bloom day again.
Carol, May Dreams Gardens
agree on the hardiness of these flowers. They were looking better than ever after many a flower went down on some early frosts.
Love these blooms. Nice to have anything blooming this time of year but Antirrhinums are awesome.
You're right - just a few blooms are so much more precious at this time of the year.
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