Discover the joy of growing Snapdragons (Antirrhinum)! Learn how to plant, care for and enjoy these colorful, unique flowers in your USA garden. Get tips on varieties, uses and solving common snapdragon problems.
Have you ever seen flowers that look like little dragon heads? Those are Antirrhinums, better known as snapdragons! These colorful flowers are popular in gardens across the USA. Let’s learn about snapdragons and how you can grow them in your own garden.
Here’s an easy and verified chart for Snapdragons:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Antirrhinum majus |
| Common Name | Snapdragon |
| Plant Type | Annual or tender perennial |
| Hardiness Zone | Zones 7-10 (typically grown as an annual) |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to part shade |
| Soil Type | Rich, well-draining soil |
| Watering Needs | Regular; keep soil evenly moist |
| Growth Habit | Upright, bushy |
| Height/Spread | 6 inches to 3 feet tall, spread of 6-18 inches |
| Special Features | Spiky flower spikes in various colors (pink, red, yellow, white); attracts pollinators; deer resistant; good for cutting and borders |
What are Snapdragons?
Snapdragons are flowers that belong to the genus Antirrhinum. They get their name from their unique shape – the flowers look like dragon mouths that “snap” open and closed when you squeeze them. Snapdragons come in many colors and sizes, making them a fun addition to any garden.
For more information on snapdragon varieties, check out the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Antirrhinum page.
How Snapdragons Look
- Height: Snapdragons can be short (6-8 inches) or tall (up to 3 feet), depending on the variety.
- Flowers: The flowers grow in spikes and have a unique “mouth” shape.
- Colors: You can find snapdragons in almost every color except blue.
- Leaves: The leaves are small, narrow, and dark green.
To see different snapdragon colors, visit the National Gardening Association’s Antirrhinum gallery.
Growing Snapdragons
Want to grow snapdragons in your garden? Here’s what you need to know:
- Sunlight: Snapdragons like full sun to partial shade.
- Soil: They prefer well-draining soil with some organic matter mixed in.
- Water: Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Temperature: Snapdragons grow best in cool weather and can tolerate light frost.
- Planting time: Plant snapdragons in early spring or fall in most parts of the USA.
For more growing tips, check out Gardening Know How’s guide to growing snapdragons.
Uses of Snapdragons in the Garden
- Flower beds: Snapdragons add height and color to garden beds.
- Container plants: They grow well in pots, especially dwarf varieties.
- Cut flowers: Snapdragons make great cut flowers for bouquets.
- Attracting pollinators: Bees and butterflies love snapdragon flowers.
Learn about using snapdragons in flower arrangements at Floret Flowers’ snapdragon growing guide.
Benefits of Growing Snapdragons
- Long blooming season: With proper care, snapdragons can bloom from spring to fall.
- Variety of colors: You can find snapdragons to match any garden color scheme.
- Easy to grow: Snapdragons are relatively low-maintenance plants.
- Child-friendly: Kids love to squeeze the flowers to make them “snap”!
Find out more about the benefits of snapdragons at The Spruce’s snapdragon plant profile.
Caring for Snapdragons
To keep your snapdragons healthy:
- Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves.
- Pinch off the tops of young plants to encourage bushier growth.
- Remove dead flowers (deadheading) to promote more blooms.
- Support tall varieties with stakes if needed.
For more care information, visit Better Homes & Gardens’ guide to growing snapdragons.
Common Problems and Solutions
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as white powder on leaves. Improve air circulation and avoid wetting leaves when watering.
- Rust: Another fungal disease that causes orange spots on leaves. Remove affected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
- Aphids: These small insects can damage plants. Remove them with a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap.
Snapdragons are cheerful, colorful flowers that can brighten up any garden. They’re easy to grow and come in so many colors that you’re sure to find ones you love. Whether you’re a beginner gardener or have years of experience, snapdragons are a great choice for adding color and interest to your garden.
For more information on growing annual flowers, visit the Old Farmer’s Almanac annual flowers guide.
For more gardening tips and plant care guides, visit usagardenhub.com.
