Snapdragon

Antirrhinum majus, the common snapdragon, is a short-lived perennial often grown as an annual for upright spikes of two-lipped flowers. Flower colors and mature size vary widely among selections, so this species-level record describes the broad garden plant rather than a specific series or cultivar. ## Form and season The [RHS species profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/69565/antirrhinum-majus/details) describes upright or scrambling stems, lance-shaped green leaves, and fragrant pink or purple flowers from late spring to autumn; it gives a broad species height range up to 2.5 m. Garden selections are often much shorter. Snapdragons work in sunny beds, borders, containers, and cut-flower plantings, with flower spikes adding vertical accents among lower plants. ## Siting Grow in full sun in well-drained soil; RHS also lists moist but well-drained conditions. In warm climates, many snapdragons perform as cool-season annuals, while mild conditions may allow some plants to persist as short-lived perennials. Good airflow helps reduce foliar disease pressure. RHS lists aphids, rust, and powdery mildew among possible problems. ## Maintenance Remove faded flower spikes to keep plants tidy and encourage additional flowering. Water newly planted snapdragons as they establish, then adjust watering to weather and soil drainage. Do not assume one height, flower color, or hardiness range for all cultivars; consult a named variety’s grower information when designing to a specific scale or season.