Description
Antirrhinum majus | Common Snapdragon ‘Orange Wonder’
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.
Like most spring-blooming flowers, Snap Dragons germinate very easily when sown indoors and also do well when direct sown outdoors. Antirrhinum majus will thrive in the cooler temperatures of late spring and are happiest in sunny locations with rich, well-drained soil. ‘Orange Wonder Snapdragon have beautiful bright-pink and apricot-orange flowers that gleam in the sun. The crowds of bold, bright flowers make a real statement in the flower garden..
Garden cultivation has occurred since the 1700’s. Many plants and flowers appeared in folklore and legend during this time. The snapdragon flower is no exception. 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 zones 8/9 or higher) they can act as a short-lived perennial and perhaps bloom all winter. Expect volunteer plants the following year as these do self seed moderately. Rely heavily on bumblebees for pollination.
Snapdragons are a favorite flower for cutting for use in fresh bouquets.
Type: Annual or perennial
Sun exposure: Full sun
Mature eight: 24-32 inches
Mature size: 12-14 inches
Hardiness zones: 8- 11