As the weather cools, consider planting snapdragons, Antirrhinum majus, for fall color. They can be paired with pansies, violas, and ornamental cabbage or kale. While they don’t bloom during the coldest days of winter, they will bloom throughout fall and again the following spring.
Snapdragons have interesting flowers that open like a dragon’s mouth when squeezed on the sides of the flower. The flowers bloom from the bottom up to the top of the flower spike. Flower colors include light to dark shades of pink, red, orange, yellow, and white, along with colorful bicolors.
Snapdragons are considered annuals except in USDA hardiness zones 9 and above. However, in my zone 8 garden, in the Upstate, they have lived for nearly 3 years.
The bright flowers of Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) are standouts in the fall garden.
Barbara H. Smith, © 2023 HGIC, Clemson University
Plant snapdragons in a location that receives full to part sun. Snapdragons grow best in soil amended with organic matter that is well drained. Be sure to water them on a regular basis throughout fall and winter. Taller varieties will require support.
Remove old flowers after they have bloomed so the plants will not expend energy on producing seeds. Cut the taller varieties back to 6 inches after they flower to encourage even more flowering stems. Fertilize after cutting back in spring with an all-purpose fertilizer.
Snapdragons can be grown from seed or found in packs in garden centers. There are tall varieties that can be cut and enjoyed in a vase, as well as dwarf varieties that are used as bedding plants. There are also some that trail and look great planted in hanging baskets. Here are some of my favorite cultivars:
A ring of dwarf snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) surrounds a taller variety in a display at the South Carolina Botanical Garden in Clemson.
Barbara H. Smith, © 2023 HGIC, Clemson University
Tall varieties: Madame Butterfly™ (Antirrhinum majus ’Madame Butterfly’) can grow from 24 to 36 inches tall. The unique flowers are open and double. They are sometimes called azalea-type flowers.
‘Potomac’ (Antirrhinum majus ‘Potomac’) can grow to 60 inches tall. Some bicolors are available, like the popular white and pink Appleblossom.
‘Rocket’ (Antirrhinum majus ‘Rocket’) will grow as high as 36 inches tall.
Medium varieties: ‘Candy Tops’ (Antirrhinum majus ‘Candy Tops’) grows to 12 inches tall on sturdy stems.
Liberty Classic ™ (Antirrhinum majus ’Liberty Classic’) grows from 18 to 22 inches tall.
Snaptastic™ (Antirrhinum majus ‘Snaptastic’) grows to 16 inches tall.
Dwarf varieties: Floral Showers (Antirrhinum majus ‘Floral Showers’) is a compact plant at 8 inches tall and wide. Many bicolor flowers are available.
Snapshot™ (Antirrhinum majus ‘Snapshot’) reaches 6 to 10 inches tall. Burgundy, Coral, and Red bicolor selections are available.
Trailing varieties: Candy Showers (Antirrhinum majus ‘Candy Showers’) reaches a height of 6 inches and trails to 12 inches. It can also be used as a ground cover. There are some bicolor flower selections available.
For more information, see HGIC 1152, Growing Annuals.
