Growing Snapdragon Flowers Guide: How To ID, Pick Types of Snapdragons

How To Identify Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)

While Antirrhinum majus is the scientific term for this plant, it goes by many nicknames, which include:

• Snapdragon
• Dog flower
• Dog’s mouth
• Toad’s mouth
• Toadflax

Wondering how to identify Snapdragon? Look for clues in its size, flowers, leaves, and seeds.

(Leaf Image: Magnus Manske¹³ and Seed Image: Philmarin¹⁴)

This plant generally grows between 6 inches and 3 feet tall and can be 6 to 10 inches wide.¹

Snapdragon Flower (Dragon Flower)

The Snapdragon flower measures 1-3 inches and has fused petals in a two-lipped,¹ tube-shaped design. While it is edible, it doesn’t have an appealing flavor so is more often used as a garnish.

Depending on the cultivar you choose, your Snapdragon plant may grow purple flowers, pink flowers, different types of white flowers, or every color in between.

Snapdragon Leaves

Snapdragon leaves are 3 to 6 inches long and a rich glossy green in color.¹ They are oval-shaped, hairless, and alternate down the stem of the plant.

Snapdragon Seeds

One of the most interesting Snapdragon facts lies in the shape of its fruit. While they start off brown or copper in color and contain several seeds, they eventually dry out to form a white or gray skull-shaped structure.

Types of Snapdragons by Color

What was once a short plant with muted flower colors has improved dramatically since the 1950s thanks to new cultivars.² Now there are seemingly endless types of Snapdragons to choose from.

Snapdragon colors include pink, white, lavender, orange, red, and every mixture of these shades you can imagine. You can also find specialty varieties like Black Prince, which is a velvety purple species, or Costa, which is known for its silvery pink flowers.

This species comes in shades of pink, white, and blue and is more likely to bloom during the peak of summer than the spring and fall.

The Snapdragon Plant Facts

The Snapdragon plant is native to the warm sunny climates of the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Middle East. It also grows in many non-native areas, including much of North America.

Snapdragon Growing Zone

In the U.S., Snapdragon growing zones include USDA zones 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b.¹ To determine whether you live in one of these zones, check the USDA Hardiness Zone Map.⁴

Best Growing Conditions for Snapdragon

The best-growing conditions for Snapdragon include areas with partial to full sun exposure and moist, nutrient-rich, well-draining soil.¹ The plant prefers acidic to neutral soil, with night temperatures in the 40s and day temperatures in the 70s.⁵

Snapdragon Growth Rate

The Snapdragon growth rate can vary depending on where and how you plant it. In general, it is a fast grower and will reach maturity by mid-summer if planted as a seedling after the last frost.⁵

Wondering how long it takes to grow Snapdragon from a seed? Expect it to take 2 to 3 months from the time the seed germinates until you see your first flower.⁵

When Do Snapdragons Bloom?

Snapdragons bloom in early summer through the fall,¹ though blooms may slow down in the hottest part of the summer.

Lifespan

What is the lifespan of Snapdragons? It depends on the cultivar you choose and where you live.

Typically, this plant is annual, which means it completes its entire life cycle in a single year.

It blooms in the spring through the fall, starting from the bottom of the stem to the top,⁵ and some cultivars are designed for extended bloom time, or to bloom during the peak of summer instead of the cooler days of spring and fall. Once cut, Snapdragons last for 5 to 16 days.⁶

Snapdragon: Annual or Perennial

The debate over whether Snapdragons are annual or perennial depends on where you live. If you live in its native zone of North Africa, the Middle East, or the Mediterranean, the plant is indeed a perennial and should come back every year.⁷

In other parts of the world, the plant behaves more like an annual flower and must be replanted each spring.

Snapdragon Garden Ideas

Some Snapdragon garden ideas include:

• Cutting garden
• Container garden
• Snapdragon borders and edging
• Pollinator garden

Snapdragon Threats

Snapdragon threats include the typical thorns in the sides of gardeners; fungal diseases and pests.

Snapdragon Disease Prevention

Some common Snapdragon diseases include:⁸

• Downy or powdery mildew: Appears as white or fuzzy patches on leaves
• Rust: Appears as rusty brown “sores”
• Root and stem rot: Caused by overwatering; appears as wilting and plant collapse

To treat these diseases, pick off any damaged or diseased leaves, ensure plants have adequate airflow, and treat with a fungicide in early spring as a prevention tactic.

(Image: Rohit Singh (rohitsingh_88)¹⁸)

Two of the biggest things you can do as part of your Snapdragon disease prevention strategy are:

1. Avoid watering from the top of the plant as this contributes to fungal diseases¹
2. Water and fertilize early in the day¹

How To Stop Snapdragon Disease

While many Snapdragon diseases are fungal, there is one caused by a virus. Known as Impatiens Necrotic Spot Disease,⁸ it is transmitted by tiny pests called thrips.

Once your Snapdragon is infected, the only remedy is to completely remove the plant from your garden to avoid infecting other plants.

Common Pests of the Snapdragon

Common pests of the Snapdragon include:⁸

• Cyclamen mites: Signs include thick, wrinkled, or shrunken leaves
• Aphids: Tiny bugs that feast on new growth
• Spider mites: Mites that live under leaves, turning them yellow

Natural Pest Control for Snapdragon

In some cases, natural pest control for Snapdragon plants is possible.⁸ If you have snails and slugs like many gardeners, the easiest solution is to start picking these off by hand.

These pests, as well as some aphids and mites, can also be deterred with a strong spray of water from a garden hose.

If natural methods don’t work, turn to chemical treatments to save your plants. Use miticides, horticultural oils, or insecticidal soaps to kill insects and mites.

Remember to read all instructions and apply as directed for safety.

To completely eliminate an infestation, you may need to apply treatments to your Snapdragon plants two or more times, but if you care for these lovely flowers, they will reward your landscape with gorgeous blooms.

Frequently Asked Questions About Snapdragon