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With erect stems bearing distinct and vibrant blossoms, Antirrhinum majus, commonly known as snapdragon, will be showcased as the theme flower at the upcoming Hong Kong Flower Show, bringing its splendid colours to the event.
The flower show, one of the events in the second batch of 10 Highlight Events under the "Appreciate Hong Kong" Campaign, will be held for 10 days from March 11 to 20 from 9am to 9pm daily in Victoria Park, with "Blossoms in Vivid Art 2016" as the main theme.
About 60 000 pots of Antirrhinum majus will be on display at the showground. Antirrhinum majus is native to the Mediterranean coast. Derived from the Greek words "anti" (like) and "rhinos" (nose), the genus name refers to the blossom's resemblance to an animal's nose. With its two-lipped corolla and wavy petals, the flower looks as lively and lovely as a goldfish, earning the plant the Chinese nickname "goldfish grass".
The flowers come in a wide array of colours like white, yellow, purplish-red, red, pink and orange. There are also species with mixed colours, such as white petals with peach lips, white petals with yellow lips and orange petals with yellow lips.
The highly ornamental Antirrhinum majus has a long blooming period, usually from November until May in the following year. The medium and dwarf varieties work well in flower beds and garden displays, and make delightful home decoration placed on the windowsill, while the tall varieties are commonly used as cut flowers for bouquets and for displays in homes and offices.
Admission tickets for the flower show are available for sale now until March 20 at the District Leisure Services Offices of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD). Tickets will also be sold at the entrance to the Victoria Park showground throughout the show period. Octopus can also be used to pay for admission.
Admission fees for the flower show are as follows:
Normal rate: $14
Concessionary rate: $7
- Children aged 4 to 14 and full-time students
- Senior citizens aged 60 or above
- Persons with disabilities and their minders (each person can enjoy the concessionary rate with one minder only)
Concessionary rate from Monday to Friday:
- Free admission for senior citizens aged 60 or above
- Free admission for persons with disabilities and their minders (each person can enjoy the concessionary rate with one minder only)
- A half-rate concession is offered to adults in groups of 30 or more entering the venue together
For enquiries, please call 2601 8260, fax 2691 7264 or visit the LCSD webpage www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/hkfs/2016/index.html.
The flower show is organised by the LCSD. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust is supporting the show for the fourth consecutive year, and has been its major sponsor since 2014.
Ends/Friday, March 4, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:21
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