Garden Snapdragon

(Antirrhinum majus)

Garden Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Antirrhinum majus, commonly known as Garden Snapdragon, is an herbaceous plant that can behave as an annual or short-lived perennial, native to rocky areas, scrub, and open woodlands in the Western Mediterranean region. The name "snapdragon" comes from the flower’s resemblance to a dragon’s mouth that opens and closes when lightly squeezed. This species typically grows to 0.5–1 m tall, occasionally reaching up to 2 m. The flowers, borne on a tall spike, are zygomorphic and exhibit a range of colors including red, pink, orange, yellow, and white. Each flower is 3.5-4.5 cm long, with a lobed corolla tube and a two-lipped structure. Wild types generally have pink to purple flowers with a yellow palate. The inflorescence is glandular-hairy, with 8 to 30 flowers clustered together.

Garden Snapdragons are valued for their showy flowers and are widely used in ornamental borders, as cut flowers, and in container gardening. They are particularly noted for their ease of cultivation and quick flowering time, often blooming within 3 to 4 months from seed. The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate part shade, and it requires moderate watering and well-drained soil. While it can withstand light frost, it thrives in temperatures around 17–25 °C. Nighttime temperatures of 15–17 °C are ideal for growth. Cultivars such as ’Floral Showers Deep Bronze’ and ’Montego Pink’ have been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit for their exceptional qualities. Potential problems include rust and aphid infestations, and in some regions, it may become weedy or invasive if not managed properly.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-3 feet
  • Width: 0.5-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Cream, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, White, Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Semi-deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Rocky areas, scrub, and open woodlands in the Western Mediterranean region

Other Names

Common Names: Common Snapdragon, Großes Löwenmaul, Grote Leeuwenbek, Lejongap, 금어초, Snapdragon

Scientific Names: , Antirrhinum majus, Antirrhinum majus var. pseudomajus, Antirrhinum litigiosum, Antirrhinum grandiflorum, Antirrhinum hispanorum, Antirrhimum majus, Antirrhinum murale, Antirrhinum majus var. peloria, Antirrhinum murale f. cirrhigerum

GBIF Accepted Name: Antirrhinum majus L.