Snapdragon
Antirrhinum majus
A popular garden flower characterized by lance-shaped, dark green leaves and unique 'labiate' flowers that resemble a dragon's face. The specimen shown is in its vegetative stage, forming a basal rosette of smooth-edged, vibrant green leaves.
- Light
- Full sun (6-8 hours per day) for best flowering, though it can tolerate partial shade in hotter climates.
- Water
- Consistent moisture is necessary, but the soil should not be soggy. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Drought can stunt growth.
- Growth
- Short-lived herbaceous perennial usually treated as an annual. Growth ranges from dwarf varieties (6-15 inches) to tall types reaching 3-4 feet.
Care instructions
Provide full sun and well-draining soil. Provide regular water, especially during dry spells, but avoid overhead watering to prevent rust. Pinch back young plants to encourage bushier growth and deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun (6-8 hours per day) for best flowering, though it can tolerate partial shade in hotter climates.
Watering
Consistent moisture is necessary, but the soil should not be soggy. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Drought can stunt growth.
Soil
Rich, well-draining loamy soil with a neutral pH (6.2 to 7.0).
Hardiness zone
Zones 7-10 (often grown as an annual in colder zones).
Growth habit
Short-lived herbaceous perennial usually treated as an annual. Growth ranges from dwarf varieties (6-15 inches) to tall types reaching 3-4 feet.
Bloom season
Spring and autumn; they prefer cooler temperatures and may stop blooming during the peak heat of summer.
Propagation
Typically propagated by seeds (sown indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost) or by stem cuttings in summer.
Common pests & issues
Highly susceptible to rust (fungal disease), aphids, and spider mites. Good air circulation is vital to prevent mildew and rot.
Similar species
Linaria (Toadflax) has similar spurred flowers, but typical Snapdragon flowers are larger and lack a long spur. Penstemon foliage can also look similar when young.