How to Select Snapdragons

Snapdragons are flowers named for unusual blossoms. The flower has a two-part blossom that resembles a dragon face. The flower grows upright on slender-leaf foliage. Snapdragons are usually grown as cool season annual plants. Snapdragons come in heights from 6 to 48 inches and in dozens of color combinations. The showy snapdragons fit easily into flower gardens and among perennials. Plant these fanciful flowers for cool weather color and beautiful cut flowers.

Things You'll Need

• Snapdragon seeds
• Snapdragon bedding plants

Instructions

1. 

   Map out snapdragon beds based sun exposure and well-drained soil. Snapdragons bloom best in full sun. They also need good air circulation to prevent plant disease. These flower have a long blooming season and often rebloom if they are cut back after first flowering. Plant them where they will get good sun exposure from spring through fall.

2. 

   Choose tall snapdragons to plant along a fence or shed. Tall varieties such as the La Bella grow up to 4 feet tall. Many tall varieties are prolific and fragrant bloomers. They are excellent cutting flowers for bouquets. Plant them behind tulips, petunias and other colorful flowers. They may need to be staked in wind-exposed gardens.

3. 

   Plant intermediate snapdragons with marigolds and wildflowers in a sunny flowerbed or wide border. These medium snapdragons grow 1 to 2 feet tall. They provide height among low growing annuals like pansies. They work well with wildflowers and carnations as cutting flowers. Varieties such as Sonnet have one tall central flower stem and smaller flower stems around it on the same plant. Colors range from red and pink to bronze and yellow.

4. 

   Plant dwarf snapdragons in rock gardens and as garden edging. They thrive in containers and window boxes. Miniature snapdragons like Magic Carpet grow under 1 foot tall and offer a full range of beautiful colors. Use a mixed color seed packet for a riot of dragon shades. They are ideal along walkways and as border front flowers.

5. 

   Make waves of color with snapdragons. Plant the tall reds as background, then intermediate yellows and dwarf tricolor snaps. Another option is using the bicolor and tricolor snapdragons for accent plants. Use red snapdragons, white carnations and blue petunias for a patriotic display.

Tips & Warnings

• Cut back snapdragons after spring blooming and they will often bloom again in autumn.

• Snapdragons readily self-sow. Let a few flower stalks go to seed for the next year.

• Choose disease-resistant varieties to help prevent fungus infection.

• Snapdragon rust is a common fungus. It leaves rust color spots on the plants. Allow good air circulation and choose disease-resistant varieties.