Snapdragon, dragon's mouth: sowing, planting, care

Description and botany

Antirrhinum, better known as the Snapdragon, is a perennial plant of the family Scrophulariaceae, like foxgloves and diascias, generally grown as an annual or a biennial in our gardens. Native to western Mediterranean basin, it grows on dry ground, among rocks, and is found in southern half of France where it spontaneously colonises stony paths and gaps in dry stone walls.

The genus includes around forty species but only Antirrhinum majus, the large-flowered Snapdragon, is present in our gardens, and has been since the 16th century. This explains why it is declinated into more than 1,000 varieties classified by height: from dwarf types such as ‘Tom Pouce’, the best known, to tall ones like ‘Madame Butterfly’.

Of very rapid growth, the plant forms within months of sowing a bushy clump with a well-ramified habit, erect or very rarely trailing. More or less compact, the plant reaches 15 cm to 1.20 m in height depending on variety; some display a very low, compact habit such as many hybrids and cultivars of Antirrhinum majus Nanum which produce miniature plants.

Stems erect, simple or branching, often green but sometimes purplish, bear entire, narrow, opposite or alternate, lanceolate to linear leaves, 2 to 8 cm long. They are more numerous at the base and are deciduous. Glabrous, they show a nice green colour of varying intensity. Some varieties such as Antirrhinum majus Nanum ‘Bronze Dragon’ are notable for almost black foliage, an unusual colour for snapdragons, while others such as Antirrhinum majus ‘Black Prince’ display purple-bronze foliage.

Antirrhinum majus – botanical illustration

Flowering overwhelms the foliage and begins in spring in May–June, continuing until first frosts. Flowers open at stem tips as very dense erect spikes up to 25 cm long, covered with tubular flowers contrasting with the foliage. Their diameter does not exceed 3 cm. Their form with undulate lips is so distinctive that it gave the plant its common name “Snapdragon”. The corolla, made of two lips the lower one pubescent and set in hairy calyces, opens like an animal’s mouth when pinched between forefinger and thumb, taking on appearance of a gaping snout swollen at the base.

Most often single, some Snapdragons (‘Double Madame Butterfly Mixed’) are distinguished by fully double flowers, resembling azaleas.

These bilabiate corollas are available in an infinite palette of bright, luminous hues. Solid, bicoloured, graduated or randomly splashed and spotted, they display shades from the palest to the most intense, ranging from pure white to velvety blood red, through every shade of pink, yellow and coppery orange.

They give off a delightful, light sweet scent. The melliferous and nectariferous flowering is much visited by bumblebees and butterflies.
Large-flowered snapdragons make excellent cut flowers, lovely in brightly coloured bouquets.

These clusters of flowers develop into small fruits, capsules with two locules that contain tiny seeds able to self-seed easily in the garden, a boon for this short-lived perennial.

Not very hardy (-7°C), Snapdragon is therefore often grown as an annual or a biennial in our climates, particularly north of the Loire, although with a mild winter it may persist and remain perennial.
The Snapdragon is undemanding and will be content with well-drained soil, even calcareous, and simply plenty of sun.

This flower, so common in country gardens and familiar in parsonage gardens, is also indispensable in wild and naturalistic gardens, scented gardens, or cottage gardens, where it brings colour, cheer and scent. Depending on variety height, it is easy to place in borders, flower beds, rock gardens, planters and hanging baskets.

Snapdragon flowers are edible and have a strong, slightly bitter flavour reminiscent of endive; they are used in salads or candied.

Main species and varieties

Most popular

Our favourites

Snapdragon Madame Butterfly Mixed Seeds - Antirrhinum majus

One of the tallest snapdragon varieties! Stands out for its height and for its large double flowers. Perfect in bouquets and also superb in borders or on slopes.

• Flowering time July to November
• Height at maturity 80 cm

See the product sheet

Snapdragon Black Prince Seeds - Antirrhinum majus

This unique variety displays velvety deep blood-red flowers and bronze foliage. Ideal for borders and window boxes.

• Flowering time July to October
• Height at maturity 45 cm

See the product sheet

Dwarf Snapdragon Frosted Flames Seeds - Antirrhinum nanum

A spectacular, uninhibited variety in bold colours! One of the best performers in borders and containers!

• Flowering time July to November
• Height at maturity 45 cm

See the product sheet

Snapdragon Purple Twist F1 Seeds - Antirrhinum majus

An extraordinary tall snapdragon. With its height it excels as a cut flower and at the back of borders, in wild gardens

• Flowering time July to October
• Height at maturity 90 cm

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Snapdragon Royal Bride Seeds - Antirrhinum majus

Large scented pure-white flowers, close to perfection! This variety will find a place in every garden, in borders, beds or rockeries.

• Flowering time July to September
• Height at maturity 65 cm

See the product sheet

Antirrhinum majus Bronze Dragon - Dwarf Snapdragon seeds

A dwarf plant with almost-black foliage, an unprecedented colour for snapdragons! Remarkable in sunny borders or containers.

• Flowering time July to November
• Height at maturity 45 cm

See the product sheet

Trailing Snapdragon Chinese Lanterns F1 Seeds - Antirrhinum pendula multiflora

A unique trailing snapdragon available in seven solid or bicolour shades! Ideal for hanging baskets, window boxes and for adorning window sills.

• Flowering time July to November
• Height at maturity 40 cm

See the product sheet

Snapdragon Lucky Lips Seeds - Antirrhinum majus

An ideal variety to lend summer beds a slightly old-fashioned yet very chic charm for a season. Easy to plant in borders, beds or rockeries.

• Flowering time July to September
• Height at maturity 60 cm

See the product sheet

Antirrhinum majus Circus Clowns

This cheerful mix of snapdragons will bring plenty of brightness and dynamism to the garden. An ideal choice for borders, wild gardens and flowering containers.

• Flowering time July to November
• Height at maturity 45 cm

See the product sheet

Planting

Where to plant snapdragon (muflier or gueule de loup)?

From its Mediterranean origins, the snapdragon (muflier or gueule de loup) has retained a strong sensitivity to cold. Annual or perennial, depending on climate and soil, it is not very hardy and struggles with temperatures below -5–-7°C. Although it flowers right up to the frosts, it is therefore often grown as annual or biennial. However, it can survive in our regions with mild winters and regrow in spring.

Undemanding, it thrives in all soils, even calcareous or stony ones, preferring well-drained ground. It requires full sun or light partial shade for optimal flowering. It proves fairly tolerant of summer drought. However, its roots will not tolerate excess water, which can cause them to rot.

Snapdragon (muflier or gueule de loup) is a very versatile annual plant that holds its own up to the limits of winter, in cottage gardens, in flowering prairies, and as backdrops to informal borders for the taller varieties. Semi-dwarf and dwarf snapdragon varieties will colour borders, form tapetum of flowers in very sunny rockeries or flower pots and window boxes on the terrace in summer.

Large-flowered or dwarf, snapdragon even slips into the vegetable garden where its long-scented flowering attracts pollinating insects such as bees and bumblebees.

When and how to sow snapdragon?

When to sow and plant snapdragon?

Sow from January to March under cover your snapdragon seeds, then prick out into buckets and plant in April, May or even June depending on region. You can also sow snapdragon in September. After pricking out the young plants into buckets to overwinter under cover, plant out following spring.

You can also sow snapdragon seeds directly outdoors in April–May in mild-climate regions; flowering will then be later.

How to sow snapdragon seeds?

Successful snapdragon sowing under cover

Snapdragon (Antirrhinum) is frost-tender and should be sown from January to March under warm cover at 20–25 °C until germination. Flowering will then occur between June and October. Discover our tips and tricks to successfully sow annual seeds directly in ground or in trays on our blog!

• Sow snapdragon seeds in a tray on surface of a good, well-draining seed compost
• Cover seeds lightly with compost kept slightly moist
• Keep warm in a plastic bag and in light during germination
• When young plants reach 2 leaves stage, prick them out into 8 cm buckets
• Pinch out main stems and plant out young plants once risk of frost is past and when outdoor temperature exceeds 18 °C
• Space young plants about 10 to 40 cm apart
• Water to ensure establishment

In open ground

• After frosts, in April–May depending on region, in well-drained, warmed soil, sow broadcast without burying snapdragon seeds
• Keep soil moist until germination
• After emergence, between 10 and 21 days, thin out the ranks leaving about 10 to 40 cm between each young plant

Snapdragon seeds

Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) are easy-to-grow, long-flowering bedding and border plants. Below is a clear, practical guide to planting and caring for them in UK and Irish gardens. When to sow and plant - Sow under cover (indoors) from late January to March for summer flowering. - Alternatively sow outdoors in late spring after last frost for later flowering, or sow in autumn in mild areas for early spring blooms. - Plant out young plants once all risk of frost has passed (typically April–May), or earlier if protected. Site and soil - Position: full sun to partial shade; best flowering in full sun. - Soil: fertile, well-drained soil with good organic matter. Neutral to slightly alkaline pH preferred. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils. Sowing and raising young plants - Seed trays: use a fine, free-draining compost. Sow surface or very shallowly, as seeds need light to germinate. - Germination: typically 7–14 days at 18–20°C. - Pricking out: transfer to modular trays or 7–9 cm pots when seedlings have 2–3 true leaves. - Hardening off: acclimatise young plants outdoors for 7–10 days before planting out. Planting out - Timing: after last frosts and when soil is workable. - Spacing: 20–30 cm apart for border plants; 10–15 cm for dense bedding. Taller cultivars may need wider spacing. - Planting depth: plant at same depth as in pot; firm soil gently around roots. - Water in well and apply a 2–3 cm mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Care after planting - Watering: keep soil evenly moist while establishing; reduce frequency once established but do not let plants dry out completely. - Feeding: apply a balanced liquid feed every 3–4 weeks during the growing season or a slow-release fertiliser at planting. - Support: stake or use canes for tall varieties to prevent flopping. - Deadheading: remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous bloom. Cutting back by one-third after heavy flowering can promote a second flush. Propagation by cuttings - Take side-shoot cuttings (5–7 cm) in early summer from healthy plants, insert into free-draining compost, keep humid and shaded; roots form in 3–4 weeks. Pests and diseases - Watch for aphids, slugs and snails. Treat early with appropriate controls. - Diseases: powdery mildew, rust and crown rot can occur in poor air circulation or overly wet soils. Ensure good spacing and drainage. Remove and destroy affected material. Overwintering and longevity - Many Antirrhinum garden varieties are short-lived perennials or biennials; often grown as annuals. In colder areas treat as annuals or lift young plants for protection. - Some low-growing or evergreen types may survive mild winters. Varieties and uses - Choose tall cultivars for back of border, intermediate for middle, and dwarf varieties for edging or containers. - Colours range widely; good for cutting and bringing indoors. Quick checklist for planting day 1. Harden off young plants. 2. Prepare soil, incorporate compost. 3. Dig holes at correct spacing. 4. Plant at same depth as pot, firm soil. 5. Water thoroughly, apply mulch, and stake if needed. With the right site, regular deadheading and moisture management, snapdragons will provide long-lasting colour from early summer into autumn.

A fairly close planting will always look splendid in beds as well as in planters! Plant snapdragons in groups of 7 to 9 buckets per m², allowing spacing of 25 to 40 cm for tall varieties and 10 to 20 cm for dwarf snapdragons.

In open ground

Transplant snapdragon young plants once risk of frost has passed; set out between May and July.

• Dig over soil well to loosen it
• Dig a hole 2 to 3 times wider than root ball
• Spread gravel or clay pebbles at bottom of planting hole
• Place root ball in centre of hole, collar at soil level
• Backfill
• Firm down with foot
• Water generously

More advice on how to plant our annual plants correctly on our blog!

Planting snapdragons in pots or planters

• Place a good layer of gravel or clay pebbles in base of container
• Plant root ball in a free-draining mix of 80% potting compost and 20% river sand
• Water generously at planting

Snapdragon care and maintenance

Snapdragon is truly the carefree annual, easy to grow and maintain. Native to arid lands, snapdragon is fairly resistant to lack of water: water generously at planting then moderately and especially during hot weather to support flowering. Always water at the base of the plant and not on the foliage because snapdragon is susceptible to powdery mildew.

Water potted snapdragons more regularly as soon as surface soil is dry and apply fertiliser for flowering plants to support summer flowering.

Pinch the main stem when young plant reaches 15 cm to promote branching.

If necessary, stake tall varieties, especially in windy situations.

Snapdragon does not require pruning: simply remove faded flowers as they fade to encourage new flowers and extend flowering period. In case of drought, flowering may stop or plant may be less floriferous.

After flowering, let snapdragons set seed in place; they will self-seed freely and abundantly from year to year. But beware of being overrun as they can multiply very quickly: cut back clumps after flowering if you wish to avoid these self-seedings.

1. In mild climates, protect plants with a thick mulch of dried leaves.
2. In harsh climates, pull up young plants before severe frosts.

You can try to preserve your potted plants: cut back clumps and shelter them from severe frosts over winter; you may see them reshoot the following spring.

Potential diseases and pests

Snapdragon is a vigorous annual, but it is frequently subject to powdery mildew, a white down that appears on the foliage. Water at base of plant, avoiding wetting the foliage, and discover our solutions to prevent powdery mildew.

In late summer, it can be infested by aphids: treat with soapy water.

Excess moisture will rot the plant; ensure good drainage.

Snapdragon is fairly susceptible to rust, which leaves orange or brown pustules on the leaves: remove affected parts and spray with horsetail decoctions or nettle manure.

Slugs are also very fond of young foliage; see our tips for combating gastropod attacks.

Multiplication

Snapdragon multiplies very easily but is rarely true to type from spontaneous sowing. Sowing under cover is easy (see above “when and how to sow snapdragon seeds successfully”). If you have harvested and stored snapdragon seeds from your dried flowers, you can sow them the following year; otherwise choose from our unique collection of annual snapdragon seeds. Be careful, these seeds are as fine as dust, barely visible to the naked eye!

Taking a cutting of snapdragon

Cuttings of snapdragon are also possible at the end of summer: take stems about 15 cm long and plant them in buckets in a sandy potting compost mix. Keep them in bright light at 20-25 °C. Pot on the following spring after frosts.

Companion planting with snapdragons

The snapdragon or gueule de loup is a bright annual plant that makes its mark in all natural and wild gardens and country gardens. Familiar from our grandmothers’ gardens, it is essential in a cottage and scented garden. Within a single season it gives summer scenes a often-retro charm.

Depending on varieties, it will bring a fresh, romantic white or pink touch, or be exuberant in multicoloured combinations. It pairs easily with many annuals, summer-flowering perennials and cottage perennials.

In the heart of a colourful bed, mix large-flowered snapdragons with annuals such as Nigella damascena, Cosmos, California poppies or dwarf chrysanthemums or with perennials rich in colour such as dahlias, coreopsis, cannas or echinaceas for flowering right up to first frosts.

An idea for a combination: Antirrhinum majus ‘Royal Bride’, Delphinium ‘Pacific Black Knight’, Nigella damascena, Ageratum ‘Blue Mink’, Centaurea montana

In a flourishing mixed border, it happily combines with coleus, agastache, wallflowers, perennial flax or linarias, all equally easy to grow.

In a scented garden, surround it with dianthus plumarius, marjoram and wallflowers (Erysimum).

Its spikes laden with flowers will rise gracefully among bushy perennials such as hardy geraniums, knautias, fennel and asters. Tone down the colours of the brightest varieties by pairing them with the grey foliage of wormwoods, euphorbias, Eryngium, a Thymus hirsutus, an Allium senescens subsp. montanum and with other annuals in pastel shades such as penstemons, tobaccos, sweet alyssum, scabious, gauras, angelonia or white osteospermum.

In a romantic garden, pair snapdragons with clematis or roses, they will add lightness.

They will mingle among the stones of a rockery with santolinas and with light ornamental grasses such as Stipa tenuifolia and Miscanthus.

In containers, combine dwarf snapdragons with petunias, diascias, surfinias or zinnias.

→ Discover more ideas for pairing snapdragons in our advice sheet!