Bountiful Gardens

Snapdragons: The Playful Flower of the Cottage Garden

Snapdragons, known botanically as Antirrhinum majus, are cherished for their unique, snout-shaped flowers that line tall, stately spikes. Their most enchanting feature, beloved by children and adults alike, is the hinged, two-lobed flower that can be gently squeezed on the sides to open and close like a dragon's jaw—hence the imaginative name. Available in a nearly endless spectrum of colors from soft pastels to vibrant jewel tones (everything except true blue), snapdragons also come in a variety of sizes, from dwarf bedding plants to towering varieties perfect for cutting. Snapdragons are relatively easy to grow and are incredibly rewarding, especially if you understand their preference for cooler weather.

Why are Snapdragons So Popular?

Snapdragons have remained a garden favorite for generations thanks to their unique combination of whimsy and classic beauty.

Interactive Flowers: The "snapping" mouth of the flower is a source of endless fascination, making them a wonderful plant for introducing children to gardening.

Excellent Cut Flowers: Tall varieties are a mainstay of cottage gardens and floral arrangements, providing long-lasting color and strong vertical lines in a vase.

Cool-Season Stars: Although they do bloom throughout summer, they thrive in the cooler temperatures of spring and fall, providing vibrant color when many summer annuals are either just starting or have finished their show.

Variety of Uses: With dwarf, intermediate, and tall cultivars available, they can be used at the front of a border, in the middle of a bed, in containers, or as a stunning backdrop.

Pollinator Friendly: The closed shape of the flower is perfectly suited for strong bumblebees, which are able to pry them open to reach the nectar inside.

When to Plant:

Snapdragons are hardy cool-season annuals. The ideal time to plant them in  NJ (Zone 6b/7a) is in early to mid-spring (April). Planting small, hardened-off seedlings at this time allows them to establish a strong root system in the cool, moist soil and put on a spectacular floral display in late spring and early summer before the peak heat arrives.

Growing Instructions:

Sunlight: For the strongest stems and most abundant flowers, plant snapdragons in full sun (at least 6-8 hours per day).

Soil: They prefer rich, well-draining soil. Amending your garden bed with compost before planting is beneficial.

Watering: Provide consistent moisture, especially when the plants are young. Water at the base of the plant to help prevent fungal diseases like rust.

Pinching and Deadheading: This is key for the best performance. When young plants are about 4-6 inches tall, pinch off the top set of leaves. This encourages the plant to become bushier and produce more flower spikes. Deadhead spent flower spikes by cutting them off at the base to encourage the plant to send up new blooms.

Support: Taller varieties (over 2 feet) may require staking to prevent them from bending or breaking in wind and rain.

A History Rooted in European Folklore

Snapdragons are native to the rocky areas of the Mediterranean region, particularly Spain, Morocco, and Italy. Their botanical name, Antirrhinum, comes from the Greek words 'anti' (meaning "like") and 'rhin' (meaning "nose" or "snout"), a direct reference to the snout-like shape of the flower.

In ancient times, snapdragons were believed to hold mystical powers. They were planted near homes to ward off deceit and witchcraft, and it was thought that anyone wearing a snapdragon was considered gracious and fascinating. European folklore also held that squeezing the flower to reveal the "dragon's mouth" could break curses or restore youth and beauty. This rich history of magic and myth adds another layer of charm to this already captivating flower.