8 named cultivars

annual

Snapdragon

The Story

Plant Bio

Antirrhinum majus, snapdragon, is a short-lived perennial grown as an annual, native to southwestern Europe and reaching six inches to three feet depending on type. Glossy dark green lance-shaped leaves clothe upright stems, and dense spikes of two-lipped tubular flowers open from the bottom up in almost every colour except true blue.

The flowers are hinged: squeeze one at the sides and the two lips open like a mouth, which is where the name comes from and how bumblebees force their way in to reach the nectar. It flowers best in cool weather, often pausing through high summer heat and resuming in autumn.

Uses & Benefits:

Dense spikes of hinged two-lipped flowers in every colour but true blue, over a long cool-season display.

One of the best cut flowers from an annual, with tall types cutting at two to three feet.

Bumblebees are among the few insects strong enough to open the flowers, and hummingbirds visit them too.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Annual

Height

24 inches

Width

8 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Annual

Native To

Southwestern Europe

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Sow indoors in late winter or plant out after frost.
Choose full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil.
Space six to ten inches apart.
Pinch young plants to encourage branching.
Deadhead spent spikes to prolong flowering.
Cut back after the summer pause for an autumn flush.

Pro Tip

Cut the whole plant back by a third when it stalls in midsummer heat — it regrows and flowers again as temperatures drop.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Pinch young plants for bushier growth ✂️
Deadhead spent spikes 🌸
Cut back after the summer pause ☀️
Plant in well-drained soil 🌱

Don't

Overwater; the crown rots easily ❌
Expect continuous flowers through high heat ❌
Crowd plants; rust follows poor airflow ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Monitor
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Cutting gardenBedding and container colourCool-season border filler

Companion Plants

Sweet Alyssum Pansy Dianthus NemesiaStock

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Snapdragon questions

What zones can Snapdragon grow in?

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 Snapdragon deer resistant?

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

When does Snapdragon bloom?

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

Does Snapdragon need full sun?

Snapdragon does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.