Snapdragons (Antirrhinum) are popular garden plants. They’re a genus of plants in the Plantaginaceae family, commonly known as dragon flowers or snapdragons because of the flowers’ fancied resemblance to the face of a dragon that opens and closes its mouth when laterally squeezed. They are also sometimes called toadflax or dog flower.
Snapdragons have unique, bilaterally symmetrical flowers that resemble a dragon’s head. When the sides of the flower are gently squeezed, the “mouth” opens and closes, giving the appearance of a dragon snapping its jaws. Flowers come in a wide range of colors, from pastels to brights, except for true blue. Some varieties even offer bicolored or speckled patterns.
Snapdragons are mostly short-lived perennial plants, though some species are annuals. The simple leaves are usually lance-shaped. The height of snapdragons varies; they can grow from as short as 6 inches to over 3 feet tall.
These plants have a relatively long blooming period. When planted in the right conditions, they can bloom from early spring through fall. They are particularly noted for their ability to withstand cooler temperatures, which makes them suitable for spring and fall gardens. Best planted in early spring or late fall depending on your climate zone. For spring blooming, they can be sown directly or started indoors and transplanted.
Snapdragons prefer full sun but can tolerate light shade. They need well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. They are also relatively drought-tolerant once established, but regular watering can promote better flowering. They are often used in cottage gardens, borders, and as cut flowers due to their showy appearance and the ease with which they can be grown.
Rocket Series
- Origin: Mediterranean, cultivated variety.
- Characteristics: Tall and upright, reaching 3-4 feet in height. Known for large, long-lasting flower spikes and a wide range of colors including red, pink, white, yellow, and orange. Blooms in early summer and fall.
Liberty Classic Series
- Origin: Hybrid variety developed for versatility in cooler climates.
- Characteristics: Medium-sized (1-2 feet), dense, and compact. Blooms in shades of pink, yellow, orange, white, and red. Resistant to rust, a common fungal disease in snapdragons. Often used for floral arrangements.
Madame Butterfly Series
- Origin: Hybrid with Mediterranean ancestry.
- Characteristics: Features double-petaled, ruffled blooms that give a fuller appearance. Comes in colors like bronze, purple, red, and white. Grows about 2-2.5 feet tall and is known for a strong fragrance.
Sonnet Series
- Origin: Developed as a cross between different snapdragon varieties.
- Characteristics: Mid-sized variety with robust stems that support colorful spikes. The flowers are dense, long-lasting, and are available in shades of white, yellow, pink, and red. Excellent for beds and borders.
Twinny Series
- Origin: Hybrid cultivar.
- Characteristics: Compact, reaching about 10-12 inches, ideal for containers and small gardens. Known for unique double blooms that look “butterfly-like.” Available in pastel shades like peach, violet, and yellow.
Floral Showers Series
- Origin: Mediterranean but bred specifically for compact growth.
- Characteristics: Dwarf variety (6-8 inches), perfect for pots and hanging baskets. Blooms profusely and comes in shades like red, yellow, pink, and white. Ideal for cooler climates as it blooms best in spring and fall.
Chantilly Series
- Origin: Hybrid with Mediterranean roots.
- Characteristics: Open-faced blooms with a soft, ruffled look. Grows about 2-3 feet tall and comes in colors like apricot, bronze, pink, and white. Notable for a sweet fragrance and is popular in floral arrangements.
La Bella Series
- Origin: Hybrid developed for consistent blooming.
- Characteristics: Medium height (12-18 inches) with bright, vibrant blooms. Available in solid colors like pink, red, orange, yellow, and white. Known for resilience against disease and adaptable growth in various climates.
Azalea Series
- Origin: Cultivated variety developed for aesthetic appeal.
- Characteristics: Double-petaled, rose-like blooms that resemble azaleas, available in pink, white, yellow, and orange. Grows 1-2 feet tall. Flowers are large, with a full, dense appearance, making them a great choice for decorative borders.
Snappy Tongue
- Origin: Native species to the Mediterranean, with hybrid varieties.
- Characteristics: Small and compact (up to 1 foot), with snap-open blooms in various bright colors. The flowers have a unique appearance and are ideal for garden beds. Known for blooming early in the season.
Snapshot Series
- Origin: Hybrid variety developed for containers.
- Characteristics: Dwarf variety, grows to 6-10 inches. Features large flowers on short stems, available in vibrant colors including pink, red, orange, and yellow. Ideal for borders and containers due to its compact form.
Black Prince
- Origin: Hybridized in Europe, originally from Mediterranean species.
- Characteristics: Striking deep burgundy blooms with dark foliage, making it stand out among snapdragons. Grows up to 18 inches. Known for rich, dramatic color, often used in gothic or moody garden themes.
Cinderella Series
- Origin: Hybrid cultivar from the Mediterranean species.
- Characteristics: Compact, reaching about 6-8 inches. Features pastel and soft colors like lavender, light pink, and white. Known for continuous blooms and resilience in cooler climates, popular for rock gardens and borders.
Candy Showers Series
- Origin: First trailing snapdragon developed in Japan.
- Characteristics: Unique trailing variety, perfect for hanging baskets and cascading displays. Available in colors like red, yellow, orange, and purple. Blooms profusely in cooler weather, creating a dense floral show.
Appleblossom
- Origin: Developed for unique coloration.
- Characteristics: Medium-tall (up to 24 inches), featuring soft pink and white blooms that resemble apple blossoms. Fragrant and elegant, often used in cottage gardens and flower arrangements. Known for its romantic, vintage appeal.
Maximum Series
- Origin: Bred from Mediterranean species for larger flowers.
- Characteristics: A tall variety, reaching 3-4 feet, with large, vibrant blooms that attract bees and butterflies. Comes in bold colors like red, yellow, purple, and white. Great for cutting gardens due to their long, sturdy stems.
Crown Series
- Origin: Cultivated hybrid, derived from classic Mediterranean varieties.
- Characteristics: Medium height (1-2 feet) with tightly-packed, large flower spikes. Known for vivid shades such as purple, orange, yellow, and red. These snapdragons are robust and ideal for flower beds, adding a lush texture to borders.
Aroma Series
- Origin: Bred specifically for fragrance enhancement.
- Characteristics: Grows up to 24 inches, with dense, ruffled blooms in a range of colors like peach, pink, white, and yellow. Highly fragrant, making them ideal for adding scent to gardens and indoor arrangements.
Bright Butterflies Series
- Origin: Hybrid series developed for ornamental purposes.
- Characteristics: Medium height (2-3 feet) with double-petaled, butterfly-like flowers in shades of pink, yellow, orange, and white. The unique petal structure adds texture and movement to garden displays.
Luminaire Series
- Origin: Created as a versatile, high-performance cultivar.
- Characteristics: Mid-sized plants (1-2 feet) with luminous, almost neon-like colors in shades of pink, coral, orange, and yellow. Known for exceptional disease resistance and weather tolerance. Blooms from spring through fall.
Montego Series
- Origin: Hybrid developed for compact growth and continuous bloom.
- Characteristics: Compact, growing to about 8-10 inches, perfect for containers, edging, or small beds. Produces profuse, dense flowers in a variety of bright colors, including purple, red, yellow, and white. Blooms early in the season.
Lucky Lips
- Origin: Mediterranean variety with hybrid enhancements.
- Characteristics: Medium height (1-2 feet) with bicolor flowers, typically pink with white edges. Known for a unique color contrast, giving an eye-catching “lipstick” effect. Long-lasting blooms make it a favorite for floral arrangements.
Frosted Flames
- Origin: Hybrid cultivar with unusual foliage.
- Characteristics: Medium-tall (up to 2 feet), featuring variegated leaves with white edges and colorful blooms in shades of purple, pink, and yellow. The combination of colorful flowers and striking foliage adds visual interest to gardens.
Circus Clown Mix
- Origin: Mediterranean origins, selectively bred for unique colors.
- Characteristics: Compact, reaching about 10-12 inches. Features blooms in a fun, mixed array of colors, with some flowers displaying bicolor or even tricolor petals. A vibrant addition to container gardens and beds, especially popular for children’s gardens due to its playful colors.