Do you remember being a child in the garden, gently pinching the sides of a flower to make its 'dragon' mouth snap open and shut? That simple joy is what makes the snapdragon, or Antirrhinum majus as it's formally known, a favourite in so many British gardens.
But thereās a whole world beyond that one classic flower. If you thought all snapdragons were the same, youāre in for a lovely surprise. Exploring the various types of snapdragon flowers available can completely transform how you use them in your borders, pots, and bouquets.
Letās wander through the garden and meet some of the family.
1. Tall Spire Snapdragons
Reaching for the sky at heights of 75 to 120 cm (about 30-48 inches), these are the true aristocrats of the snapdragon world. Their long, elegant stems are topped with dense spikes of classic, lipped florets, creating dramatic vertical accents at the back of a flower bed.Ā
Because of their impressive stem length and sturdy nature, they are the number one choice for florists and home gardeners alike for creating stunning cut flower arrangements. Look for popular series like 'Rocket' for reliable height and colour, or the exquisite 'Madame Butterfly' series, which features fluffy, double blooms that look more like azaleas than traditional snapdragons.
2. Intermediate Snapdragons
These are the brilliant all-rounders, growing to a versatile height of 40 to 70 cm (around 15-30 inches). They provide the perfect middle ground, offering substantial colour and form without blocking the view of smaller plants at the front of a border.Ā
They are fantastic for mass plantings to create swathes of colour and work wonderfully in larger mixed containers. Series like 'Sonnet' and 'Liberty Classic' are garden stalwarts, known for their robust performance and a huge range of rich, vibrant colours.
3. Dwarf Snapdragons
Utterly charming and endlessly cheerful, dwarf snapdragons are compact plants that typically stay under 40 cm (15 inches) tall. Their bushy, mounding habit makes them ideal for the front of the border, for neatly edging a pathway, or for packing into window boxes and patio pots.Ā
Instead of one or two tall spires, these varieties produce a multitude of shorter flower spikes, resulting in a dense cushion of continuous colour all season long. The 'Floral Showers' series is a top performer available in a staggering array of colours, while the 'Magic Carpet' series grows even lower to form a beautiful, flowering ground cover.
4. Trailing Snapdragons
A more recent innovation in breeding, trailing snapdragons offer a completely new way to enjoy this classic flower. Rather than growing upright, these varieties have a natural cascading habit that is perfect for spilling gracefully over the sides of hanging baskets, tall planters, and retaining walls.Ā
Unlike their upright cousins, they often flower along the entire length of their stems, creating a spectacular waterfall effect of colour and texture. The 'Candy Showers' and 'Lampion' series were developed explicitly for this trailing performance, bringing vibrant colour and a soft, whimsical feel to any container garden.
5. Variegated Foliage Snapdragons
This type is grown as much for its striking leaves as for its flowers. The foliage is the star here, featuring beautiful patterns of green edged with creamy white or yellow.Ā
This variegation provides visual interest in the garden from the moment the seedling sprouts until the very end of the season, even when the plant isn't in full bloom. A popular example is the 'Frosted Flames' series, which contrasts its eye-catching leaves with brightly coloured flower spikes.
6. Bicoloured and Patterned Snapdragons
Beyond solid colours, some snapdragons are specifically bred for their dramatic, multi-toned flowers. These bicolour varieties feature petals with distinct blocks of contrasting colours, such as a white tube with pink or red lips. Taking it a step further, some series feature speckled, striped, or flecked patterns, creating a playful, confetti-like effect. The 'Tutti Frutti' series is famous for its unique speckled and striped blooms, ensuring no two flowers are exactly alike.
7. Aromatic or Fragrant Snapdragons
While many modern snapdragons have little to no scent, some varieties are cultivated specifically for their pleasant fragrance. This adds a wonderful sensory dimension to both gardens and bouquets.Ā
The scent is often described as sweet or fruity and is typically strongest on warm, sunny days. The 'Reminiscent' series was developed to bring back this classic, sweet perfume, and the bell-flowered 'Chantilly' series is also noted for its light, pleasant aroma.
8. Forcing or Greenhouse Snapdragons
This is a specialised group developed for commercial cut flower production. These "forcing" varieties are bred to perform reliably under specific greenhouse conditions, such as controlled temperature and supplemental lighting, allowing for year-round production.Ā
They are categorised by their "response group," which indicates how quickly they will flower under certain light conditions. The 'Maryland' and 'Potomac' series are industry standards, selected for their uniform growth, exceptionally long and straight stems, and predictable bloom times.
9. Hybrid or Sprawling Snapdragons
These types are the result of crossing the common snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) with other wild species, like the Spanish Snapdragon (Antirrhinum hispanicum). This cross-breeding often results in plants with a different growth habit and improved hardiness.Ā
Instead of a strictly upright spire, these hybrids can be more sprawling or mounding, and many have a better chance of surviving the winter to become short-lived perennials in milder climates. The 'Candy Showers' trailing series is an example of a successful hybrid, inheriting its cascading habit from one of its wild relatives.
Best Practices for Planting Snapdragons in HDBs and Condos
Creating your own green oasis amidst the cityscape is one of the great joys of living in Singapore. With their stunning vertical spires of colour, snapdragons are a perfect choice for adding beauty and charm to your HDB corridor or condo balcony.Ā
Hereās how to help them thrive in your urban garden.
1. Choose the Right Pot and SoilĀ
Success starts with the right foundation. Select a pot that is at least 20-25 cm deep to give the roots enough room to grow. Most importantly, ensure it has excellent drainage holes at the bottom. Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix from a local nursery.Ā
To combat the constant humidity in Singapore, itās a brilliant idea to mix in some perlite or horticultural sand to improve aeration and prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged, which can lead to root rot.
2. Find the Sunniest SpotĀ
Snapdragons are sun-lovers and need at least six hours of direct sunlight to produce abundant flowers. Observe your balcony or corridor throughout the day to find the spot that gets the most light. While they love the sun, the intense afternoon sun in Singapore can sometimes be a bit too strong.Ā
The ideal location is often one that receives plenty of bright morning sun with a little shade or filtered light during the hottest part of the afternoon.
3. Master Your Watering RoutineĀ
Watering plants in pots is a balancing act. The golden rule is to water only when the top inch (about 2-3 cm) of the soil feels dry to the touch.Ā
Water thoroughly until you see it running out of the drainage holes, then allow it to dry out appropriately before watering again. Be mindful of rainfall, as a heavy downpour might mean you can skip watering for a day or two.
4. Ensure Good Air CirculationĀ
Good airflow is your best friend in preventing common fungal diseases like powdery mildew, which can be an issue in our humid climate. Avoid overcrowding your plants. If you have several pots, give them a little space between each other.Ā
This simple step helps keep the leaves dry and allows air to circulate freely, keeping your snapdragons healthy and happy.
Conclusion About The Types Of Snapdragon Flowers
From the tall, elegant spires that dance in the breeze to the cheerful, bushy dwarfs that brighten up a patio pot, there truly is a snapdragon for every purpose and every gardener.Ā
Their rich colours and unique form add a touch of playful nostalgia to any setting. Whether you are planting a new garden bed or looking for the perfect bouquet to brighten someone's day, you cannot go wrong with the charm of a snapdragon.Ā
To get a professionally arranged bouquet featuring some of these beauties, check out The Daily Blooms with the best flower delivery in Singapore, with 10% off your first purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Types Of Snapdragon Flowers
How Tall Do Snapdragon Flowers Grow?
Snapdragons come in various sizes. Dwarf types are typically under 40 cm, intermediate types are between 40 and 70 cm, and tall varieties can grow from 75 cm up to 120 cm.
Are Snapdragons Perennial Flowers?
While they are technically short-lived perennials, most people in the UK grow them as annuals. They perform best in their first year and may not survive a particularly cold or wet winter.
Do Snapdragons Need Full Sun To Thrive?
Yes, for the best and most prolific blooms, snapdragons need a spot that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. They can tolerate a little partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Should I Deadhead My Snapdragon Plants?
Absolutely. Regularly pinching or cutting off the spent flower spikes will encourage the plant to produce more branches and more blooms, extending the flowering season significantly.
Can I Grow Snapdragons From Seed?
Yes, growing snapdragons from seed is very rewarding and cost-effective. It is best to start them indoors about 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected frost date and then plant the seedlings out once the danger of frost has passed.
