Spring is upon us, and it's time to add a splash of color to your garden with the stunning snapdragons. These beautiful blooms, with their vibrant hues and unique dragon-shaped blossoms, are a delight to behold and surprisingly easy to grow. So, if you're ready to turn your garden into a snapdragon sanctuary, keep reading. This guide is packed with everything you need to know about growing and caring for these captivating flowers.
The Snapdragon Story
Before we delve into the nitty-gritty of snapdragon care, let's take a moment to appreciate the fascinating history of these flowers. Snapdragons, or Antirrhinum majus, have been charming gardeners for centuries. Originating from the rocky areas of Europe, the US, and North Africa, these plants have a rich folklore associated with them.
Legend has it that snapdragons were believed to offer protection from deceit, and women used to wear them to ward off unwanted advances. Now, while we can't guarantee that planting snapdragons will keep the fibbers at bay, we can assure you that they'll make your garden look fabulous.
Choosing Your Snapdragon Variety
One of the joys of growing snapdragons is the sheer variety available. From the towering majesty of the 'Rocket' series to the compact charm of the 'Montego' series, there's a snapdragon for every garden.
When choosing your variety, consider the height you want. Taller varieties are perfect for the back of borders, while shorter ones make excellent edging plants. Also, think about color. Snapdragons come in a rainbow of shades, so whether you want to create a serene white garden or a riot of color, there's a snapdragon for you.
The 'Rocket' Series
The 'Rocket' series is the skyscraper of the snapdragon world. These plants can reach up to three feet in height and produce large, densely-packed flower spikes. They're perfect for adding height and drama to your borders.
Available in a range of colors, from bold reds and yellows to soft pinks and whites, the 'Rocket' series is a must for any snapdragon lover.
The 'Montego' Series
If you're short on space, or just prefer your flowers a little closer to the ground, the 'Montego' series is for you. These compact plants reach just 10 inches in height but don't let their small stature fool you. They pack a punch when it comes to color, with blooms in vibrant shades of red, yellow, pink, and white.
The 'Montego' series is perfect for containers, hanging baskets, and the front of borders. They're also a great choice for those new to gardening, as they're easy to grow and care for.
Planting Your Snapdragons
Now that you've chosen your snapdragon variety, it's time to get planting. Snapdragons prefer cooler temperatures, so early spring is the perfect time to plant them. They also like well-drained soil and a sunny spot, although they can tolerate partial shade.
When planting your snapdragons, dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Place the plant in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole, firm the soil gently, and water well.
Planting in Containers
If you're planting your snapdragons in containers, choose a pot with good drainage. Fill the pot with a quality potting mix and plant your snapdragons at the same depth as they were in their nursery pot. Water well and place the pot in a sunny spot.
Container-grown snapdragons may need extra watering, especially in hot weather. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and feed your snapdragons every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Planting in Borders
For border planting, space your snapdragons 12 to 18 inches apart. This gives them room to grow and ensures good air circulation, which helps prevent disease. After planting, water well and apply a layer of mulch to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Border-grown snapdragons benefit from regular feeding. Apply a balanced granular fertilizer in early spring and again in mid-summer to keep your plants healthy and blooming.
Caring for Your Snapdragons
Snapdragons are relatively low-maintenance plants, but a little care goes a long way. Regular watering, feeding, and deadheading will keep your snapdragons looking their best.
Water your snapdragons regularly, especially during dry spells. They prefer a good soaking less frequently over light, daily watering. This encourages deep root growth, making your plants more drought-tolerant.
Feeding Your Snapdragons
Feeding your snapdragons regularly will help them produce more flowers. Use a balanced fertilizer, and follow the package instructions for application rates.
Remember, over-fertilizing can cause lush foliage growth at the expense of flowers, so don't be too heavy-handed with the feed.
Deadheading
Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, encourages your snapdragons to produce more blooms. Simply pinch off the faded flowers to keep your plants looking tidy and to promote more flowering.
At the end of the season, cut your snapdragons back to the ground. This helps prevent disease and encourages vigorous growth in the spring.
FAQs
Are snapdragons annuals or perennials?
Snapdragons are technically perennials, but they're often grown as annuals in colder climates where they can't survive the winter. In warmer climates, they can be grown as perennials.
Do snapdragons attract bees?
Yes, snapdragons are a favorite with bees and other pollinators. Their tubular flowers are perfect for long-tongued bees, and their vibrant colors attract a variety of insects.
Can snapdragons grow in shade?
Snapdragons prefer full sun, but they can tolerate partial shade. However, too much shade can result in leggy plants and fewer flowers.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a comprehensive guide to growing and caring for snapdragons. With their vibrant colors, unique flowers, and easy-care nature, snapdragons are a fantastic addition to any garden. So why not snap into spring and plant some snapdragons today? Your garden (and the bees) will thank you.
