Snapdragons

Snapdragons are flowering plants in the genus Antirrhinum, most commonly Antirrhinum majus. Native to the Mediterranean, they have long been cultivated as ornamentals and are widely grown in borders, containers, and as cut flowers. In mild climates they can be perennials; in temperate regions they are typically grown as cool-season annuals.

They are upright herbaceous plants with slender stems, opposite leaves, and dense terminal flower spikes. The flowers are tubular and bilaterally symmetrical, with two lips that form a dragon-like mouth when opened; the mouth can be squeezed gently to open, which gives the plant its name.

Flower colors range from pink, red, purple, yellow, to white and bi-colors. They bloom in cool seasons and are attractive to bees and other pollinators. The plants vary in height from compact 20 cm varieties to tall 90 cm types.

They prefer full sun to light shade and well-drained, fertile soil. Cool weather promotes flowering; heat can shorten bloom. Water regularly but avoid waterlogged soil. Pinching early can encourage branching and longer stems; deadheading prolongs bloom.

Propagated by seed, cuttings, or division in some perennials; seeds can be sown indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost or directly outdoors after frost. Pests include aphids and spider mites; diseases include powdery mildew and Botrytis. They are commonly used in bedding displays, borders, and as cut flowers.