Whether trailing out of hanging baskets or urns, lowly bordering a flower garden, or growing in masses of tall spires, snapdragons can add pops of long-lasting color in any garden. Snapdragons are specifically a common addition to cottage gardens. With folk names like lion’s mouth or calf’s snout, snapdragons are also a favorite in children’s gardens, because snapping the dragon's mouth open and closed by squeezing the sides of the flowers is a fond childhood memory that has been passed down throughout generations. Snapdragons are also very easy to grow from seed and produce full size plants loaded with blooms in just one season.
Are Snapdragons Annuals or Perennials?
The most common question about snapdragons is: are snapdragons annual or perennial? The answer is that they can be both. Some varieties of snapdragons are true annuals, meaning they grow, flower, set seed, and die all within one growing season. Other varieties of snapdragons are considered to be short-lived perennials, hardy in zones 7 to 11, which are usually grown as annuals. A few varieties of snapdragons are even known to withstand winter temperatures in zones 5 and 6. In many areas, snapdragon seeds will survive low winter temperatures, and new plants will grow from these seeds in spring, making the plant seem as if it came back like a perennial. Annual and perennial snapdragons do not have many differences. Either may grow from 6 to 36 inches (15-91 cm.) tall, both bloom for long periods, both come in varieties with classic snapdragon flowers or azalea-like blooms, and both grow easily from seed unless they are hybrids. Due to their short-lived nature, perennial snapdragons tend to be grown as annuals and are replanted every year. Nurseries may make the matter even more confusing by labeling snapdragons as “half hardy annuals” or “tender perennials.” How long do snapdragons live as a perennial? This all depends on the variety and location, but generally short-lived perennials live about an average of three years.
Annual vs. Perennial Snapdragon Planting
Many gardeners find that it is more reliable to plant snapdragons annually. This way they know they will have long blooming snapdragons each year; if perennial varieties come back or last year’s seeds sprout, it’s just more blooms to enjoy. Snapdragons are considered cool season plants. While cold temperatures cause die-back, extreme heat can also kill them. In northern climates, snapdragon seeds or plants are planted in spring after the danger of frost has passed. In southern climates, zone 9 or above, snapdragons are oftentimes planted in autumn to provide colorful blooms throughout the winter. Perennial snapdragons generally do best in zones 7 to 9.
- Spanish snapdragons are known to be hardy in zones 5-8.
- The short-lived perennial variety Eternal, hardy in zones 7-10, has colorful, long blooming flowers and green and white variegated foliage.
- The Snap Daddy and Autumn Dragons series are also well-known perennial varieties of snapdragon.
For reliable, long blooming annual snapdragons, try the Rocket, Sonnet, or Liberty series. Other common annual snapdragons include Plum Blossom, Candy Showers, and the Solstice Mix. Hybrids like Bright Butterflies or Madame Butterfly are annuals with azalea-like blooms.
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FAQs
Some varieties of snapdragons are true annuals, meaning they grow, flower, set seed, and die all within one growing season. Other varieties of snapdragons are considered to be short-lived perennials, hardy in zones 7 to 11, which are usually grown as annuals.
Are snapdragons annual or perennial plants? ›
Although snapdragons are classified as annuals, they can grow as short-lived perennials in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 7-10. Plant snapdragons in early spring in cold climates and in late fall in warmer climates.
What is the life cycle of a snapdragon? ›
In its native habitat, snapdragons are winter annuals, with seeds germinating in the fall, growth through the winter and then blooms appearing in the springtime. In central and south Arkansas, we are beginning to see snapdragons offered in the fall as a companion plant for pansies.
How do you get snapdragons to come back next year? ›
Snapdragons in winter temperate zones will simply compost back into the soil or you can cut plants back in fall. Some of the original plants spring back in the warm season but the numerous seeds that were self-sown freely sprout as well.
Do snapdragon flowers reseed themselves? ›
Most snapdragons are hardy in USDA Zones 7-11, or more likely 8-11. While they may grow back in spring in warmer regions, they don't seem to bloom with the same vigor as they did in their first year. In colder regions, snapdragons won't survive the winter but may self-seed.
How many years do snapdragons last? ›
Nurseries may make the matter even more confusing by labeling snapdragons as “half hardy annuals” or “tender perennials.” How long do snapdragons live as a perennial? This all depends on the variety and location, but generally short-lived perennials live about an average of three years.
Do snapdragons like sun or shade? ›
Snapdragons do best in rich, well-draining soil in a sunny location, though they will tolerate part shade. Pinching off the stem tips on young plants will make them thicker and bushier, and deadheading the spent flowers will extend the bloom season, often right into the first frost of the late fall or early winter.
Does snapdragon last long? ›
Snapdragons are known for their colorful blooms. They start blooming in early spring, and keep blooming all season long. They are short-lived perennials that act like annuals, and don't usually flower for more than one season.
Do you deadhead a snapdragon? ›
Deadheading will help keep your snapdragons blooming throughout the summer. Remove the faded flowers just below the flower stem and above a set of healthy leaves. This will keep the new blooms coming. If the plant becomes leggy (long stems and few leaves) prune back further along the stem.
Can snapdragon survive winter? ›
Snapdragons can be grown as short-lived perennials in more mild climates, including zones 7-11. Snapdragons are cool-season flowers that can withstand cold temperatures and light frosts; thus, they can persist into late fall or early winter.
Do Snapdragons do well in pots? Yes, Snapdragons grow equally well in containers and pots as in beds. Make sure your pots are big enough to support the size of the Snapdragon you choose, and use a good peat-free compost.
What month do you plant snapdragons? ›
Snapdragon
| Plant name | Zone | Plant seedlings/transplants outdoors (spring/fall) |
|---|
| Snapdragon | 8a | On/around March 1 |
| Snapdragon | 8b | On/around March 1 |
| Snapdragon | 9a | September-November; March-April |
| Snapdragon | 9b | September-November; March-April |
14 more rowsKeep transplants well watered with soil slightly moist until established. Once well rooted and established, snapdragons typically need about an inch of water a week. When weather conditions are dry, give your garden snapdragons a thorough soak about twice a week. Snapdragons can be over-watered or improperly watered.
Do snapdragons spread? ›
Snapdragons seed readily, keeping a continuous supply of new flowers. They also cross-pollinate easily so new flowers may not look like the parent flowers. To keep them from spreading, deadhead any spent flowers before they go to seed.
Will snapdragons survive winter? ›
The dragons can even survive if temps drop as low as 25 degrees, but it's best to insulate them if a cold snap does happen.
How do you keep snapdragons blooming all summer? ›
Deadheading will help keep your snapdragons blooming throughout the summer. Remove the faded flowers just below the flower stem and above a set of healthy leaves. This will keep the new blooms coming. If the plant becomes leggy (long stems and few leaves) prune back further along the stem.
Can snapdragons grow in pots? ›
They prefer full sun, but with a container you can move them around to catch the light. Make sure the container drains well, and that you water it regularly. The soil in a pot will dry out much more quickly than the soil in a flower bed. As the snapdragon flowers die off, deadhead them to encourage more blooms.
