| This is one of the new "butterfly form" Snapdragons, so-called because the flowers are held open instead of "snapped" shut. We like the idea of calling them open-mouthed, though, because not only is this dragon roaring, but all your garden visitors who see it for the first time may find themselves slack-jawed with amazement. First of all, the color is new for the Snapdragon family — a rich burnt-umber, with copper and orange tones that seem to glow. If this really is an open-mouthed dragon, he's certainly got firepower to spare! The wide-open blooms makes them larger, crowded along sturdy 4- to 4 1/2-inch stalks atop the foliage. This is classified as an Intermediate Snap, but it's among the tallest, reaching 36 to 40 inches high in bloom and spreading 12 to 18 inches wide. The blooms cluster tightly in spring and fall (and often through summer in cool climates), excellent for cutting and spectacular in a large garden planting. Let them lean against a sturdy, shorter plant in the garden or give them some support for their enormous bounty of blooms! Long-lasting in the vase, 'Chantilly Deep Orange' is an all-around superb performer. You will love its vigorous growth, thrill to its beautiful yawning blooms, and enjoy its staying power after others have given up. Do try it this season in the sunny garden — you'll be glad you did! Packet is 25 seeds. |
