Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)

Image: AI generated

Snapdragon Plant Care

Antirrhinum majus L.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Antirrhinum majus, also known as snapdragon, is a unique plant known for its colorful and tubular flowers that resemble dragon mouths. It is popular among plant enthusiasts for its vibrant blooms and distinctive shape.

🌱Herbs🌼Perennials🌻Annuals
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–80°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Snapdragon?

Water Snapdragon every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Where Is the Snapdragon Native To?

Native range18 countries

What Is the Snapdragon?

Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) belongs to the Plantaginaceae family within the Antirrhinum genus. Snapdragon is native to Mediterranean region, North Africa. Snapdragon is also known as Common Snapdragon, Garden Snapdragon.

Snapdragon displays an upright, branching perennial growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Snapdragon produces tubular flowers in various colors like pink, red, yellow, or purple.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Snapdragon?

Antirrhinum majus requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the Snapdragon Need?

Snapdragon thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Snapdragon Prefer?

Antirrhinum majus grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Snapdragon prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

50–80°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Snapdragon?

Well-draining, fertile soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Snapdragon to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Snapdragon?

Feed Snapdragon every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.

Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.

Fertilizing

Every 4 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

How Do You Repot a Snapdragon?

Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

How Do You Propagate a Snapdragon?

Snapdragon can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

Is the Snapdragon Toxic to Pets and Children?

Non-toxic to cats and dogs

Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list. View the ASPCA entry

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Snapdragon?

Snapdragon is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Snapdragon Need?

Snapdragon grows outdoors in USDA Zone 7a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 7a. Snapdragon is native to Mediterranean region, North Africa.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 7a – 10b

Keep exploring plants

Snapdragon is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Antirrhinum genus — compare its care with other Antirrhinum species on PlantoScan.

Antirrhinum is part of the Plantaginaceae plant family — browse all Plantaginaceae genera and species.

Snapdragon thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Antirrhinum majus L., family Plantaginaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 617 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
  • Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Snapdragon as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
  • Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 7a – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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