perennial

Yellow Snapdragon

The Story

Plant Bio

Antirrhinum latifolium is an erect, branching perennial herb native to the Mediterranean mountain regions of southern Europe, characterized by its grayish-green, glandular-pubescent foliage. The two-lipped, yellow tubular flowers measure up to nearly two inches long and cluster in dense terminal racemes from spring through fall.

This species is distinguished from the common garden snapdragon by its broader, oval to elliptic leaves and its consistently yellow blooms, which occasionally feature a purple lower lip. The stems and foliage carry a distinct sticky, glandular hairiness that covers both the opposite lower leaves and alternate upper leaves.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces upright spikes of yellow tubular flowers that add vertical structure to borders and rock gardens.

Provides excellent cut flowers for indoor arrangements due to its sturdy stems.

Attracts bumblebees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich blossoms.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

30"

Width

16"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Short-lived perennial

Native To

Europe (Mediterranean)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Autumn

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Sow seeds indoors 6 to 10 weeks before the last spring frost, or take stem cuttings in the fall.
Select a planting site in full sun that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct daily sunlight.
Amend the planting area with grit or sand to ensure absolute drainage, keeping organic matter to a minimum.
Pinch young stem tips early in the season to promote a bushy, heavily branched growth habit.

Pro Tip

While often mistaken for drought-tolerant desert plants, these snapdragons require consistent moisture combined with exceptionally sharp drainage; planting them in heavy, water-retentive clay soils triggers rapid, fatal root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in sharply draining, gritty soil to prevent root rot.
Provide at least 6 to 8 hours of direct daily sunlight.
Deadhead spent flower spikes regularly to encourage continuous blooming.

Don't

Do not allow water to stagnate around the roots or plant in heavy clay.
Avoid overhead watering, which promotes rust and powdery mildew.
Do not over-fertilize, as excess nitrogen leads to weak, floppy stems.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Pinch
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rock gardensCottage gardensMixed bordersContainers

Companion Plants

Penstemon digitalis Aquilegia canadensis Salvia officinalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Yellow Snapdragon questions

What zones can Yellow Snapdragon grow in?

Yellow Snapdragon is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Yellow Snapdragon deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Yellow Snapdragon, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Yellow Snapdragon bloom?

Yellow Snapdragon typically blooms in spring through autumn. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Yellow Snapdragon need full sun?

Yellow Snapdragon does best in full sun (6+ hours).