Antirrhinum is a genus of plants in the Plantaginaceae family, commonly known as dragon flowers or snapdragons because of the flowers' fancied resemblance to the face of a dragon that opens and closes its mouth when laterally squeezed. Learn how to plant, grow, and care for snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus). These vibrant, spiky flowers thrive in cool seasons, bloom in brilliant colors, and are surprisingly frost-tolerant!

Understanding the Context

Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) are cool-season flowers that grow easily in most gardens. They start and end the season with a wild splash of color. All you need to know about growing snapdragons (Antirrhinum), in this detailed Grow Guide from the experts at BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. The genus ‘antirrhinum’ derives from the Greek word for nose, referring to their face-like appearance.

Key Insights

The tenacity of their wild forbears which grow on rocky hillsides gives them an aura of strength, and apparently the purple varieties symbolised spirituality for the Victorians. In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Antirrhinum plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings. Plant Characteristics: Antirrhinum species are known for their vibrant snapping dragon like flowers, making them a visually striking addition to any garden. In Florida, this species is best suited to being grown as a cool season annual and will flower until April or May. There are various cultivars with different flower colors and growth forms available, including tall and short cultivars.

Final Thoughts

Figure 1. Full form—Antirrhinum majus: snapdragon, mass planting. Figure 2. Flower—Antirrhinum majus: snapdragon. Nobody knows who Antirrhinum majus is; Snapdragons though, everyone loves her! This common name is a favorite amongst children who love to squeeze the outer edges of an open flower to make it open and close as if it’s a mouth that has come to life.