Antirrhinum majus

Antirrhinum majus (snapdragon) — the classic dragon-mouthed cottage flower from the Mediterranean, in dwarf bedding to tall cutting spires. A long-flowering favourite in our flower seed range.

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Antirrhinum majus — the snapdragon

Antirrhinum majus is the botanical name for the snapdragon, a much-loved cottage-garden flower named for the dragon-like blooms that “snap” open when squeezed. It is a colourful cut and bedding flower within our flower seed collection and a favourite for cutting.

History & origin

The snapdragon is native to the Mediterranean, from south-western Europe to North Africa, and has been grown in gardens since antiquity. Children have always delighted in pinching the hinged flowers to make the “dragon's mouth” open and close, and in folklore the plant was thought to offer protection. Its curious flower shape is matched to its pollinators: it takes a bee heavy enough to push open the lipped throat to reach the nectar inside.

Its name describes that flower: Antirrhinum comes from the Greek for “snout-like,” and majus means “larger.”

Botanical characteristics

Though a short-lived perennial, the snapdragon is usually grown as a half-hardy annual, in heights from low bedding types to tall spires for cutting. The flowers crowd up dense spikes in nearly every colour, opening from the bottom up over a long season. Tall varieties have long, elegant stems for the vase, while dwarf forms are perfect for our container range, and the nectar-rich blooms support our pollinator planting.

Growing Antirrhinum majus from seed

Sow the fine seed on the surface in late winter or spring, pressing it in but not covering it, as it needs light to germinate. Pinch young plants to encourage bushy growth and more spikes, and keep cutting or deadheading for a long display. Our flower growing guide and flower sowing calendar cover the details.

Ready to grow snapdragons? Browse the cut flowers or learn the basics first.

Related categories: Cut Flowers · Pollinator Flowers · Container Flowers · Bee-Friendly Flowers · All Flower Seeds

At SeedsChoice, every order ships from Meppel, NL with fast, tracked EU delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Antirrhinum majus?
It is the botanical name for the snapdragon, usually grown as a half-hardy annual.

Where do snapdragons originate?
From the Mediterranean, from south-western Europe to North Africa.

Why are they called snapdragons?
The hinged flowers snap open like a little dragon's mouth when gently squeezed.

What does the name mean?
Antirrhinum means “snout-like” in Greek and majus means “larger.”

How do I grow them?
Surface-sow the fine seed (it needs light), pinch for bushy plants, and keep cutting.