How to Grow Madame Butterfly Crimson
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Madame Butterfly Crimson
Antirrhinum majus 'Madame Butterfly Crimson'
flowerMadame Butterfly Crimson is a stunning double-flowered snapdragon cultivar featuring rich crimson-red blooms with a delicate, ruffled butterfly-like appearance. The double petals create a full, ornamental flower that stands out in garden displays and makes an excellent cut flower. This variety grows to medium height and produces abundant blooms throughout the growing season.
When should you plant Madame Butterfly Crimson in your zone?
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Example Madame Butterfly Crimson timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Madame Butterfly Crimson
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Madame Butterfly Crimson blooms
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Madame Butterfly Crimson dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-10; best performance in zones 5-8
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Seed germination & seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons; develop first true leaves within 2-3 weeks
Keep soil moist and warm (65-70°F); provide bright indirect light; avoid damping off by ensuring good air circulation and not overwatering
Vegetative growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops multiple stems and leafy growth; grows to 18-24 inches tall with bushy habit
Pinch growing tips when 6 inches tall to encourage bushiness; fertilize weekly with balanced flower fertilizer; maintain consistent moisture and full sun
Budding & flower initiation
2-3 weeksDense spikes of buds form at stem tips; buds are tightly clustered and deep red
Continue regular watering and feeding; remove any diseased foliage; ensure full sun exposure for best bloom color and density
Flowering & bloom
8-12 weeks (or until frost)Spectacular crimson double flowers open sequentially along spikes, creating a long season of blooms; petals are ruffled and butterfly-like
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming; water consistently; provide support stakes if needed in windy locations; maintain feeding schedule
Senescence & end of season
Variable, typically ends with frostFlowering slows as temperatures drop or seasons change; plants may decline in vigor after extended bloom period
In mild climates, snapdragons can be cut back for fall rebloom; in frost areas, treat as annual and remove after final frost or decline
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if infestations persist; increase humidity and air circulation
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; remove heavily infested leaves
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or fungicidal spray at first sign; remove affected foliage
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Remove infected leaves promptly; avoid overhead watering; improve drainage and air flow; apply fungicide if severe
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Handpick in early morning; use slug baits or traps; create barriers with diatomaceous earth
Uses
Edible garnish
CulinarySnapdragon petals are edible and add striking visual appeal to salads, desserts, and garnishes. Use pesticide-free flowers from your own garden for food use. [source]
Cut flowers & floral arrangements
CraftMadame Butterfly Crimson's double flowers and rich color make it an excellent choice for fresh arrangements, wedding bouquets, and floral designs. The tall spikes add height and structure to arrangements. [source]
Garden color & landscape design
HouseholdCreates bold crimson focal points in borders, cottage gardens, and mixed flower beds. Works well in formal arrangements or naturalistic plantings. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeSnapdragons attract bees and other beneficial insects; provides nectar and pollen sources during mid to late season. [source]
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers when the lowest buds on the spike have opened and upper buds show color; cut in early morning with sharp, clean scissors. Cut stems at a 45-degree angle and remove lower leaves. Snapdragon cut flowers last 10-14 days in a vase. Deadhead spent flower spikes at the plant level to stimulate continuous branching and blooming throughout the season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Snapdragons are called 'snapdragons' because when gently squeezed on the sides, the flower's mouth opens and closes like a dragon's jaw.
- 🌱 The double-flowered varieties like Madame Butterfly were developed through selective breeding to enhance the natural ruffling and fullness of the petals, making them more ornamental than wild snapdragons.
- 🌱 In Victorian times, snapdragons were planted in gardens to ensure protection of the household and were believed to represent grace and strength.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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