snapdragon

Snapdragon is the common name for the flowering plant genus Antirrhinum, most notably Antirrhinum majus. Belonging to the family Plantaginaceae, the genus includes about 20 species native to the western Mediterranean region. The name derives from the flowers’ two-lipped corolla, which resembles a dragon’s mouth that opens and closes when squeezed.

Plants are herbaceous and range from annuals to short-lived perennials. They produce upright stems with opposite leaves and dense spikes of tubular flowers. The flowers are typically two-lipped and come in colors such as pink, red, white, yellow, and bi- or multi-colored forms. The blooms are appreciated for their striking appearance and long-lasting flowering in seasonally varied climates.

Distribution and cultivation: Snapdragons are widely grown as ornamentals around the world. In temperate regions they are usually grown as annuals; in milder climates they may overwinter as perennials. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Regular watering and deadheading help sustain flowering, and plant height varies across many cultivated varieties, from compact dwarf types to tall border forms.

Propagation and varieties: Snapdragons are primarily grown from seed, with extensive breeding producing a range of cultivars for garden use, including compact, mid-height, and tall flowering plants. They can be susceptible to pests such as aphids and to diseases like powdery mildew and botrytis under humid conditions.