Snapdragon Black Prince Seeds - Antirrhinum majus

Antirrhinum majus 'Black Prince' is an excellent heirloom variety that forms stunning, dark crimson blooms amongst gorgeous purplish bronze leaves. Snapdragons are annuals or short-lived perennials depending on the climate and soil. These easy-going, prolific bloomers self-seed in the most unlikely of places. Grow in well-prepared, free-draining soil in full sun.

Antirrhinum majus, commonly referred to as Snapdragon, has been grown in gardens since the 16th century. It belongs to the Scrofulariaceae family and is native to the west of the Mediterranean basin where it grows between rocks and on dry slopes. It is often found growing in between cracks in old garden walls. 'Black Prince' is an heirloom variety, selected in France in 1993. This bushy, short-lived perennial is first year flowering. The small, 45 cm tall and wide clumps produce erect, purplish stems covered with opposite or alternate leaves. The linear to lanceolate leaves are purplish-green to bronze in colour. From May-June to September, sturdy flower spikes emerge, bearing velvety tubular flowers in rich shades of red, from garnet to ruby and crimson. Snapdragons are a magnet to bees and butterflies. They self-seed easily in light soil, however they are not always true to type.

Snapdragons are easy to grow, perfect for naturalistic gardens, scented gardens, and cottage gardens. They are generally treated as annuals in heavy soil and colder climates. Compact varieties such as 'Black Prince' are perfect for growing at the front of borders, flower beds and rock gardens. It combines well with Love-in-a-mist, Cosmos or annual poppies. Snapdragons’ colourful flower spikes look particularly attractive amongst bushy perennials (fennel, ox-eye daisies, cardoons, asters, perennial chrysanthemums) or small, neutral-coloured shrubs (lavender, santolina, mugwort, euphorbia, Thymus hirsutus) ... Once the plants are well established, we recommend removing spent flowers regularly to extend the blooming period.

Snapdragon seeds are best left to experienced, seasoned gardeners as they are extremely small, like fine dust.