Snapdragon Maximum Bronze Seeds - Antirrhinum majus

Antirrhinum majus 'Maximum Bronze' is an heirloom variety that forms tall, stately plants bearing large, soft bronze-pink and yellow flower spikes from summer through till autumn. 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. 'Maximum Bronze' is a traditional variety formerly destined for cutting. It forms particularly tall, stately plants covered with abundant, large blooms in a variety of warm shades. This bushy short-lived perennial is first year flowering. The 70 cm tall clumps are about 35 cm wide, producing erect stems covered with opposite or alternate leaves. The linear to lanceolate leaves are a beautiful deep green colour. From May-June to September-October (or until the first frosts), very dense, sturdy flower spikes emerge, bearing large, flamboyant tubular flowers. 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 borders, flower beds or rock gardens. They are generally treated as annuals in heavy soil and colder climates. Large varieties such as 'Maximum Bronze' are excellent for cutting, naturalistic gardens, scented gardens, and cottage gardens. They combine well with Love-in-a-mist, Cosmos or annual poppies. Their 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.