Learn how to plant, grow, and care for snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus). These vibrant, spiky flowers thrive in cool seasons, bloom in brilliant colors, and are surprisingly frost-tolerant! Antirrhinum is 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.

Understanding the Context

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Antirrhinum plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings. Plant Characteristics: Antirrhinum species are known for their vibrant snapping dragon like flowers, making them a visually striking addition to any garden. In Florida, this species is best suited to being grown as a cool season annual and will flower until April or May. There are various cultivars with different flower colors and growth forms available, including tall and short cultivars.

Key Insights

Figure 1. Full form—Antirrhinum majus: snapdragon, mass planting. Figure 2. Flower—Antirrhinum majus: snapdragon. Antirrhinum majus, commonly called snapdragon, is an old garden favorites that, in optimum cool summer growing conditions, will flower well from spring to fall.

Final Thoughts

In climates with protracted hot summer weather, plants often tend to languish and may not last the entire growing season. Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) are cool-season flowers that grow easily in most gardens. They start and end the season with a wild splash of color. All you need to know about growing snapdragons (Antirrhinum), in this detailed Grow Guide from the experts at BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. The genus ‘antirrhinum’ derives from the Greek word for nose, referring to their face-like appearance. The tenacity of their wild forbears which grow on rocky hillsides gives them an aura of strength, and apparently the purple varieties symbolised spirituality for the Victorians.