What are the sun requirements for Antirrhinum majus?

Antirrhinum majus requires Full Sun.

How much water does Antirrhinum majus need?

Antirrhinum majus has Medium water needs.

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Annuals

Antirrhinum majus

snapdragon

Plantaginaceae

Western Mediterranean (Spain, Portugal, southern France)

At a Glance

TypeAnnual

HabitUpright

FoliageDeciduous

Height6-36 inches (15-90 cm)

Width6-18 inches (15-45 cm)

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Attracts Butterflies

Attracts Hummingbirds

Container Friendly

Maintenancemoderate

Overview

An herbaceous plant grown as a cool-season annual in most of North America, reaching 6-36 inches (15-90 cm) tall depending on series, with lance-shaped to elliptic opposite leaves 1-3 inches (2.5-8 cm) long, mid-green, smooth-margined. Flowers are bilabiate (two-lipped), tubular, 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) long, borne in dense terminal spikes 6-18 inches (15-45 cm) long. The upper and lower lip lobes nearly close the flower throat; lateral pressure causes the lips to open, accounting for the common name. Flower colors range across white, yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, and bicolor combinations. Dwarf types (6-10 inches, 15-25 cm) are bred for compact mounding habit; intermediate types (15-24 inches, 38-60 cm) produce upright spikes suitable for cutting; tall types (30-36 inches, 75-90 cm) are used as cut flowers. Plants bloom most prolifically in cool conditions (55-65°F / 13-18°C); flowering slows or stops when temperatures exceed 80°F (27°C) for more than a week. In frost-free zones 9-11, plants may overwinter and behave as short-lived perennials.

Native Range

Native to the western Mediterranean region, including rocky hillsides and cliff faces in Spain, Portugal, and southern France, at elevations from sea level to approximately 4,900 feet (1,500 m). Found on rocky, well-drained soils in full sun. Naturalized in parts of North America and elsewhere following centuries of cultivation.

Suggested Uses

Commonly grown in mixed annual borders at 6-18 inch (15-45 cm) spacing depending on type. Tall varieties are grown as cut flowers, with stems lasting 7-10 days in water when cut at bud stage. Dwarf and intermediate types are used in container plantings of at least 2-3 gallons (7.5-11 L). Plants are used in cool-season annual color programs to fill gaps before summer perennials peak.

How to Identify

Identified by two-lipped tubular flowers in dense terminal spikes, with a closed flower throat that opens under lateral pressure. Leaves are lance-shaped to elliptic, opposite on the lower stem, alternate above. The flower shape is distinctive; no other common garden annual shares the snapping, bilabiate flower structure. Seed capsules are ovoid with small pores at the top through which seeds scatter when shaken.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 3'

Width/Spread6" - 1'6"

Colors

Flower Colors

white

yellow

orange

red

pink

purple

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

SpringFall

Spring through early summer (April–June) and again in fall (September–October) in temperate climates. Flowering slows significantly when daytime temperatures exceed 80°F (27°C) and may cease during summer heat in zones 7-9. Deadheading spent spikes extends bloom by 2-4 weeks. In zones 9-11 where winters are mild, plants may bloom nearly year-round with summer breaks during heat peaks.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White, yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, bicolor

Foliage Description

Mid-green, lance-shaped to elliptic, opposite

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Partial Shade

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamsand

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before the last frost date; seeds require light to germinate and should not be covered with soil. Transplant outdoors 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost, as plants tolerate light frost to 28°F (-2°C). Space at 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) for compact types and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) for tall types. Water when the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil is dry; overwatering promotes root rot and powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is the most common problem, appearing in warm, humid conditions with poor air circulation; it is primarily cosmetic at the end of the season. Rust (Puccinia antirrhini) causes orange pustules on leaves and may defoliate plants; remove infected material and avoid overhead watering.

Pruning

Pinch growing tips when plants reach 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) tall to encourage branching and more flower spikes. Deadhead spent spikes by cutting back to the next lateral branch to promote continuous flowering. Cut plants back by one-third after the spring bloom flush to reduce heat stress and encourage fall rebloom in zones 7-9.

Pruning Schedule

springfall

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 2 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

transplant

Indoor Start

10 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

Sow directly outdoors after last frost risk passes; transplanting preferred for reliable germination.