Garden snapdragon - Antirrhinum majus (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Garden snapdragon

Also known as: Common snapdragon, Dragon plant

The garden snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) is a flowering perennial that is commonly cultivated as an annual or biennial ornamental plant. When the throats of its flowers are squeezed together, its lips snap open like a dragon's mouth; this is the origin of the common name. The garden snapdragon's speedy cultivation and ease of pollination made it a good target for research, so it has now become a model organism for plant genetics studies.

Scientific classification

Species

Garden snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)

Mints plantains olives and allies

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Perennial, Annual, Biennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Harvest Time

20 cm to 1 m

Plant Height

10 cm to 50 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

1.5 cm to 5 cm

Flower Size

Red, Green, Black

Fruit Color

Yellow, Pink, Orange, White, Red, Purple

Flower Color

Green, Purple, Pink

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Garden snapdragon

Distribution of Garden snapdragon

Distribution Map

Garden snapdragon is native to Spain but has been widely naturalized across the Mediterranean and into Turkey and Syria. It thrives in rocky places and in poor soil but is not considered invasive in its naturalized zones.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Old walls, rocks and dry places

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Economic Value

Snapdragons can be squeezed and made into edible oil.

Garden Use

Garden snapdragon is most commonly clustered in flowerbeds and gardens. Popular for its bright, attractive flowers with their distinct dragon-snout shape, this plant is a mainstay in most traditional flower gardens and is used in patio containers, borders, and flower boxes. It is often planted with lower-growing flowers like lobelia and pansies for a satisfying height contrast.

Symbolism

Strength, persistence, deviousness, grace under pressure

Interesting Facts

Garden snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) is primarily pollinated by bumblebees; when the bees enter the flower, the petals close around them, helping to trap more pollen in the bee's soft hair so that it is carried to the next flower for cross-pollination.

Name Story

Garden snapdragon: Snapdragon, originates from the appearance that seems like the flowers' reaction to having their throats squeezed, which causes the "mouth" of the flower to snap open like a dragon's mouth. It is often planted in gardens, therefore it's widely known as the garden snapdragon

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Garden snapdragon, including the following common varieties :

Garden snapdragon 'Night and Day'Garden snapdragon 'Admiral White'Garden snapdragon 'Bells Pink'

Quickly Identify Garden snapdragon

Zygomorphic flowers resembling dragon heads with two-lipped corollas

Long, lance-shaped leaves with glossy dark green color

Distinctive capsule fruit with short beak, enclosed by calyx lobes

Opposite to alternate leaf arrangement, glabrous and smooth

Blooms measure 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) in length, emit mild fragrance

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Care Guide for Garden snapdragon

Twice per week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Garden snapdragon thrives in Mediterranean climates, showing moderate drought tolerance. Once established, it requires consistent moisture, needing watering twice a week. As a herbaceous perennial, mulching helps retain moisture, reducing watering frequency during hot periods while enhancing its vibrant blossoms.

Fertilize: For garden snapdragon, apply balanced nutrition fertilizers monthly during growth and switch to high phosphorus types before blooming to improve flower yield. Avoid over-fertilization, adjust schedules seasonally, ensure soil is damp before application, and follow dosage recommendations for optimal health and blooming performance.

Pruning: Garden snapdragon is a vibrant, fast-growing perennial featuring dragon-shaped flowers. Prune in early to late spring by deadheading blooms and removing weak stems to promote growth, enhance air circulation, and reduce disease risk. Use sharp, clean tools for precise cuts to maintain health.

Propagation: Garden snapdragon is a notable ornamental plant known for its two-lipped flowers. Effective propagation involves selecting a healthy stem, making a clean cut, and planting in well-draining soil. Maintaining humidity and misting regularly encourages root growth, ensuring successful establishment before transplanting.

Repotting: Repot garden snapdragon in late winter to early spring every 2-3 years using a slightly larger pot to support its growth. After repotting, provide bright, indirect light and water sparingly to avoid root rot, ensuring successful adaptation and enhanced flowering.

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Images of Garden snapdragon

Distribution of Garden snapdragon

Culture

Cultivars

Quickly Identify Garden snapdragon

Care Guide for Garden snapdragon

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