November Plant of the Month: Snapdragon

Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) are a garden favorite that loves cooler autumn temperatures. Snapdragons get their name from the interesting flowers that open like a dragon’s mouth when squeezed on the sides. With flowers coming in a wide range of colors including shades of pink, red, orange, yellow, white, along with colorful bicolors – they bring vibrant color to the landscape during the cool seasons.

Snapdragons can reach a height of 2 to 3 feet with their unique shaped flowers arranged along a center stem. This vertical growth makes them stand out in garden beds and containers.

For beautiful fall color, plant snapdragons in the late summer or early fall. If we have a mild winter, they may even bloom into early winter before taking a break during the coldest days of winter. As temperatures warm in the spring, they can begin to bloom again. However, since the first blooms are usually the brightest and most vigorous, gardeners often treat them as annuals by replanting each season.

Snapdragons are low maintenance, but thrive in rich, well-drained soils with full to part sun. They will need regular watering during dry spells and can benefit from removing old flowers to encourage reblooming.

Pairing well with cool-season favorites like pansies and ornamental kale, Snapdragons are the perfect way to prevent your garden’s color from fading as cooler temperatures arrive.

Jessica Strickland is an Agriculture Extension Agent, specializing in horticulture for North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Wayne County.