Description
Antirrhinum majus ‘Madame Butterfly’: graceful, double-flowered snapdragon
Antirrhinum majus ‘Madame Butterfly’ is an exceptional and graceful variety within the world of snapdragons. These tall, double-flowered plants (also known as azalea-type) form extra full and luxurious flower spikes, making them ideal for both ornamental borders and for cutting beautiful flowers for indoor arrangements. ‘Madame Butterfly’ combines elegance, robustness, and versatility in one striking ornamental plant, making it a must-have for both garden enthusiasts and professional florists.
Key Features
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Type: Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)
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Flower shape: double-flowered, azalea-type
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Flower color: mixed (depending on the cultivar)
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Flower spikes: extra full, graceful clusters
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Height: 60–100 cm, ideal for the back of borders
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Uses: ornamental border, cut flower, bouquets and flower arrangements
What makes ‘Madame Butterfly’ special is the double flower structure, where each flower has multiple layers of petals. This Victorian appearance gives a sense of luxury and abundance to the garden and produces rich, fluffy flower spikes that create an impressive decorative effect. The type is often referred to as an azalea type, referring to the full, graceful flowers that resemble those of azaleas, but with the characteristic shapes of snapdragons.
Growth and cultivation
‘Madame Butterfly’ is a tall, upright variety that comes into its own best at the back of borders or in groups, where the long, sturdy stems support the flowers and provide a spectacular splash of color. Thanks to the sturdy stems and compact, uniform growth, the flower spikes are excellently suited for cut flower production.
Planting advice:
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Planting time: from late summer to early spring for optimal flowering
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Soil: nutritious, well-drained soil
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Light: Part shade to full sun, preferring moderate temperatures
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Water: regularly, but avoid flooding
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Maintenance: Light pruning of older stems promotes new flowering and healthy growth.
The plants bloom profusely, and the long flower stems are sturdy enough to be cut for bouquetswithout the flowers losing their shape. This makes ‘Madame Butterfly’ ideal for florists and flower arrangers who require high-quality and aesthetic flowers with long-lasting vase life.
Aesthetic and functional benefits
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Full, fluffy flowers: the double flower type provides a luxurious, decorative appearance
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High ornamental value: perfect for the back of borders, where the plants add height and colour
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Cut flower quality: long, sturdy stems and graceful flower spikes make it ideal for bouquets
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Durable and robust: strong stems carry the large flower heads without bending
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Flexible applications: suitable for garden, cut flowers and professional flower arranging
‘Madame Butterfly’ distinguishes itself through the combination of ornamental value and practical usability. While the plant provides a romantic and abundant appearance in the garden, it simultaneously offers functional benefits for cut flower cultivation, with flowers that are both sturdy and long-lasting.
Conclusion
Antirrhinum majus ‘Madame Butterfly’ is a graceful, tall, double-flowered snapdragon that excels in ornamental value and versatility. The azalea-like double flowers create a luxurious, fluffy effect that is both visually appealing in the garden and ideal for bouquets and floral arrangements.
With its sturdy stems, consistent growth, and abundant flowering, this variety is perfect for garden enthusiasts looking to fill an impressive back border, as well as for florists wishing to produce high-quality cut flowers. The combination of aesthetics, hardiness, and versatility makes ‘Madame Butterfly’ one of the most prized and elegant snapdragon varieties on the market.
In short, ‘Madame Butterfly’ offers a perfect blend of elegance, durability, and functional usability, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, double snapdragon with a romantic appearance.
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