SCIENTIFIC NAME: Antirrhinum majus

COMMON NAME: Snapdragon

FAMILY: Scrophulariaceae

TYPE: hardy annual, will typically survive mild winters but usually declines after 2-3 years; will not survive cold winters in 7A without mulch or other protection

LEAVES: opposite with upper leaves alternate, lanceolate, up to 3" in length

FLOWER: terminal racemes, many colors except blue

SEASON OF BLOOM: spring and fall, suffers from summer heat; plant early spring for best show

GROWTH HABIT: 6" to 4', erect

SOIL: well drained

SUN: partial shade best in south to full sun

UTILIZATION: tall cultivars for background or cut flowers, dwarf for edging; plant in early spring or late summer to early fall

DISEASES: leaf rust, downy mildew

INSECTS AND RELATED PESTS: aphids and mites

PROPAGATION: seed, may self-sow

MAINTENANCE: staking of tall cultivars; deadheading

CULTIVARS: Tahiti and Floral Showers have performed well in our AAS Trial Garden; Rocket is a tall cultivar, ideal for use as a cut flower