Antirrhinum

Family: Scrophulariaceae
Common Name: Snapdragon

Originating from Europe and North America, these showy annuals and perennials have unusual two-lipped flowers, which give the plants their common name, and narrow leaves. They come in a variety of types: erect, prostrate, tall or dwarf. Snapdragons look most impressive in massed plantings or borders and make excellent cut flowers.

Species

A. majus, snapdragon, forms dense bushes of many upright stems, with long green leaves and the familiar frilly, two-lipped flowers. Hybrids are available in all sizes and colors, and combinations of colors, except true blue.

Cultivation

They prefer a fertile, well-drained soil and a sunny position. Continuous cutting of the flowers will insure further crops. Propagate from seed. Single-colored or multi-colored seed selections are available. Some are very susceptible to rust, a fungal disease. Look for varieties which have some resistance.

Climate

In frost-prone Climates, grown as half-hardy annuals.