Snapdragon / Antirrhinum

Snapdragon Flower Description

Snapdragons are outstanding flowers for cutting and display, and in garden borders. Attractively shaped blooms, usually in a broad array of colours, snapdragons for years have been a favourite with children who squeeze individual flowers to form the dragons mouth.

Snapdragons belong to group of annuals and perennials that bloom from the beginning of summer right through to the autumn. The most popular snapdragon varieties are those that are grown as annuals in flower beds.

Antirrhinums are technically short-lived perennials which means that the best flowers are achieved in the first year with the quality tailing-off after that.

When sown closely together in beds the snapdragon flowers can totally obscure the dark green leaves. Trailing-type varieties have also been bred for hanging baskets.

Cultivation of Snapdragons

Snapdragons should be sown in fertile, well-drained soil that is in a very sunny position however young plants may tolerate some frost.

Shrubby varieties of the Snapdragons species must be sown in very well-drained soil and must be protected from cold and strong windy conditions.

To prolong the flowering display it is important to continuously deadhead any fading or wilting blossoms.

Snapdragon Pests and Diseases

On occasions with Snapdragons rust can be something of a problem however rust-resistant varieties are available. Sufficient clearance and air circulation around individual plants can minimise the effects of rust. Beware of of aphid attack on young growth during the summer.