Antirrhinum majus (Snapdragon)

Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) are popular garden plants known for their vibrant, colorful flowers and distinctive ‘snapping’ blooms that resemble a dragon’s mouth. Blooming for months, they are eye-catching bedding plants loved for their large, snout-shaped flowers atop their bright green foliage. The name “Antirrhinum” comes from the Greek words ‘anti’ (like) and ‘rhin’ (nose), referring to the nose-like shape of the flower.

Antirrhinum majus: An In-depth Look

Native: Native to the Mediterranean region, they have been widely cultivated and naturalized in many parts of the world.

Plant Type and Habit: Snapdragons are short-lived perennial plants that can withstand short periods of frost but are generally grown annually. They have an upright growth habit with branching stems.

Size: Snapdragons come in various heights and are classified into four groups:

• Dwarf plants (6-9 in. tall or 15-22 cm) – Bushy plants that are ideal for border fronts, edgings, window boxes, and containers
• Short plants (9-12 in. tall or 22-30 cm) – Great for edging or small beds
• Intermediate plants (12-24 in. tall or 30-60 cm) – Most popular group
• Tall plants (24-36 in. tall or 60-90 cm) – for bold display or fresh bouquets.

Snapdragon and Pot Marigold

Snapdragon and Floss Flower

Flowers: The Snapdragon flowers are fragrant and come in various attractive shades, from pastel to bright colors, including pink, orange, yellow, peach, purple, white, red, and bicolor. The blooms are known for their ‘snap’ – they open and close when laterally squeezed, resembling a dragon’s mouth. The flowers can look classic, with two puffed petals that look like stacked berets or azalea-flowered (fringed or ruffled).

Bloom Time: Snapdragons boast an extended blooming period from spring to autumn. After flowering, they produce small, round fruits that are capsules containing numerous tiny seeds.

Foliage: The leaves are lanceolate to ovate, arranged spirally on the stem, and are often bright green in color.

Uses: Popular in gardens and as cut flowers due to their colorful blooms. They’re also used in container gardening and as bedding plants. Many smaller species are used in rock gardens, while the taller ones may be grown in the dry garden. The shorter varieties are great edging plants.

Hardiness: Generally, Snapdragons are hardy in USDA zones 7-10. They can withstand light frosts but are sensitive to severe cold.

Pollinators: The flowers attract various pollinators, especially bees and butterflies.

Toxicity: Generally non-toxic to humans and pets, making them safe for most garden settings.

Deer and Rabbit: They are somewhat resistant to deer and rabbits, though they may occasionally be browsed.

Drought Tolerance: Moderate. While they prefer consistent moisture, some varieties can withstand short periods of drought.

Invasiveness: Not considered invasive. They can self-seed but are easily controlled.

Most popular Snapdragon varieties

Liberty Series produces 24-30 inches tall plants (60-75 cm) in nine flower colors.

Rocket Series produces 36-inch tall plants (90 cm) with upright flower spikes in red, pink, yellow, purple, and white shades. Good for cut flowers.

Sonnet Series produces 24-30 inches tall plants (60-75 cm) with eight shades of flowers. Great for the landscape, containers, or as cut flowers.

Bright Butterflies Mix produces 30-inch tall plants (70 cm) with 10-12 flower spikes per plant. Flowers in yellow, red, pink, purple, and white.

Madame Butterfly Mix produces 24-inch tall plants with double azalea-type flowers in shades of red, pink, yellow, purple, and white.

Candy Showers series is a new series of trailing Snapdragons perfect for hanging baskets or containers in the spring or fall. They will also quickly spread in beds and borders for colorful coverage. They are up to 10 inches tall (25 cm) and are available in purple, orange, red, rose, or yellow.

Snapdragon Growing Tips

Soil: Thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Prefers a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Avoid overhead watering.

Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering after the plant is established.

Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Supplement with a liquid fertilizer during the peak blooming period.

Pruning: Pinch off the stem tips to promote bushiness on young plants (3 inches tall or 7 cm). Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms and maintain a neat appearance. Do not hesitate to cut flowers for your bouquets as this will force your snapdragon to produce additional stems for bloom. Cut back after the first flush of flowers to promote a second bloom in late summer or fall.

Propagation: Easily propagated from seeds. Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost and transplant the seedlings outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked. Can self-seed in favorable conditions. Cut back hard and fertilize if you notice little flowering after the first flush of bloom.

Pests/Diseases: Watch for common pests like aphids and spider mites. Susceptible to rust, powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot in overly moist conditions. Always choose rust-resistant varieties!