A. ‘Shiryu Kiss’ flowers with remarkable generosity, a Japanese word for purple dragon – dragons are revered as benevolent deities and symbols of good fortune in Japanese folklore – and of course snapdragon is the common name given to the genus.
A. ‘Shiryu Kiss’ has been shortlisted for the Plant of the Year award at RHS Chelsea 2026
A selection from a 2015 crossing of Antirrhinum glutinosum (pollen parent) and Antirrhinum ‘Dwarf Purple’. It soon became clear to me how very special the plant was – the abundant flowering is richly and deeply coloured and repeated throughout the season. In addition, the deep green foliage is darkly flushed, and very healthy, and the plant grows robustly. The selection is resistant to powdery mildew and has good levels of resistance to rust. It is also hardy and capable of overwintering as an herbaceous perennial.
Plant in full sun to part sun, bearing in mind that it will flower most profusely in full sun. Adaptable to all well-drained soils. Prune to shape if required in mid-spring.
In the photo gallery below showing in my garden June 2021
| Genus | Antirrhinum |
| Species | |
| Cultivar | Shiryu Kiss’ |
| Category | Perennial |
| Height & Spread | 40-60cm x 30 - 45 cm wide |
| Plant Breeders Rights | |
| Colours | Colours and sizes are approximate and are intended as a guideline and may vary according to local conditions. |
