Description
Antirrhinum majus | ‘Black Prince’ Common Snapdragon
Native to Southern Europe and the Mediterranean, Snapdragons have delighted gardeners with their exceptionally showy flowers for hundreds of years. They are named after their flowers, which look like a dragon’s open mouth when you squeeze them on the side. Antirrhinum means “like a snout”. The appearance of all snapdragon varieties are quite similar. They feature colorful petals that fold out dramatically from a thick stem. One or two petals on the top curl upwards sharply, while one or two bottom petals face the ground.
‘Black Prince’ is a Snapdragon variety that stands out during the early season due to its dark green and reddish foliage, while the flowers are a stunning, dark velvety crimson color.
Like most spring-blooming flowers, Snapdragons germinate very easily when sown indoors and also do well when direct sown outdoors. Antirrhinum majus thrive in the cooler seasons of of late spring, early summer, and fall, and are happiest in sunny locations with rich, well-drained soil. Garden cultivation has occurred for hundreds of years. Snapdragons are easily grown in most regions and blooms can tolerate some frost, and make it through until the next year, but a heavy frost may take them out, so they are most often grown as an annual in the coldest climates. In warmer climates (usually zone 8 or higher) they can act as a short-lived perennial and potentially bloom all winter. Expect volunteer plants the following year as they do self seed moderately.
Black Prince snapdragon produces outstanding cut flowers for use in fresh bouquets.
Type: Annual or perennial
Sun exposure: Full sun
Mature height: 16-18 inches
Mature width: 12-16 inches
Hardiness zones: 8- 11