The Ultimate Guide to Growing Beautiful Snapdragons

Snapdragons have undergone a stunning transformation over the past century, evolving from short plants with muted colors to a wide array of heights and vibrant hues. Modern snapdragons offer a plethora of choices that cater to every gardener’s needs, from tall stalks to sweet scents and everything in between.

If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by the vast selection of snapdragons available, fear not. In this comprehensive guide, we will introduce you to 23 of the best snapdragon varieties to grow at home. Whether you prefer pastel shades for your cottage garden or showy container plants, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s dive into the world of snapdragons and explore the diverse range of series and cultivars that are perfect for your garden:

Understanding Snapdragon Types

Before we delve into the list of top varieties, let’s take a moment to understand the different types of snapdragons. These plants are classified based on flower type, flowering time, height, and growth habit. Knowing these distinctions can help you make informed decisions when selecting the right snapdragon for your garden.

Now, without further ado, let’s explore some of the most noteworthy series and cultivars of snapdragons that are ideal for home gardening:

1. Admiral

The Admiral series features single blossoms in striking colors such as crimson, white, yellow, purple, and pink bicolor. These early bloomers can grow up to four feet tall under optimal conditions, making them a stand-out choice for your garden.

2. Aroma

If you’re a fan of fragrant flowers, the Aroma series is perfect for you. These tall summer snapdragons feature strong, upright stems and come in a variety of colors such as bright red, white, yellow, and multicolored blooms.

3. Black Prince

Despite its name, the Black Prince snapdragon boasts deep green leaves and velvety dark crimson and purple flowers. This heirloom cultivar grows to a modest height of 18 inches, making it a charming addition to any garden.

4. Bright Butterflies

Winner of the All-America Selections award, the Bright Butterflies mix offers double flowers in vibrant hues of red, pink, purple, yellow, and white. These iconic plants stand at 24 inches tall and add a touch of elegance to your garden.

5. Calima

The Calima series is ideal for warmer climates and features snapdragons with pink, deep rose, ivory white, pure white, and yellow single flowers. These tall plants can reach up to 24 inches in height, adding a splash of color to your garden.

6. Candy Showers

For a show-stopping display, consider the Candy Showers series, which features weeping snapdragons that cascade over containers in a beautiful flower shower. These colorful plants can also be used as ground cover and bloom in shades of orange, rose, and yellow.

7. Chantilly

Known for its height, the Chantilly series produces snapdragons that can reach up to four feet tall. With double flowers in various colors, including red, pink, orange, and yellow, these plants are sure to make a statement in your garden.

8. Cinderella

The Cinderella series offers snapdragons with an extended blooming time and colorful single flowers. With stems measuring approximately 20 inches in length, these plants come in cream, yellow, gold, salmon, scarlet, and crimson hues.

9. Costa

The Costa series features snapdragons with pale, silvery pink flowers on strong, straight stems. Varieties such as apricot, rose, white, and burgundy ‘Velvet’ are also available, making this series a versatile choice for gardeners.

10. Floral Showers

Dwarf snapdragons in the Floral Showers series feature fragrant single flowers in an array of colors, including bronze, red, lilac, salmon, scarlet, rose, yellow, purple, ivory white, and bicolor options. These plants grow up to 10 inches tall and add a touch of elegance to any garden.

11. Frosted Flames

The Frosted Flames series is characterized by large, single flowers in rose, pink, crimson, red, yellow, and cream hues. These plants are complemented by dramatic cream and green variegated leaves and grow to a height of 18 inches.

12. La Bella

With highly fragrant flowers in white, bronze, pink, and yellow, the La Bella series is a delightful addition to any garden. These snapdragons feature double blooms and reach a height of 18 inches, adding a touch of elegance to your outdoor space.

13. Liberty

The Liberty series offers tall snapdragons with showy single blooms in bronze, crimson, lavender, rose, white, and yellow. With stalks ranging from 24 to 30 inches tall, these plants are perfect for creating stunning cut flower arrangements.

14. Little Darling

Winner of the All-America Selections award, the Little Darling series features snapdragons with single pink, crimson, salmon, red, yellow, bronze, and bicolor flowers. These sturdy plants stand at 18 inches tall and boast exceptionally long blooming periods.

15. Lucky Lips

True to its name, ‘Lucky Lips’ features white flowers with vibrant magenta centers, resembling the lips of a dragon. This charming variety is sure to bring luck and beauty to your garden.

16. Madame Butterfly

With large, ruffled double blossoms in lavender, red, pink, purple, orange, yellow, and white, the Madame Butterfly series is a show-stopper. These snapdragons grow to a height of three feet, adding a touch of elegance to any landscape.

17. Magic Carpet

For a mystical touch, consider the Magic Carpet series of snapdragons. These dwarf plants feature single flowers in pink, purple, yellow, salmon, and pale purple hues, creating a stunning carpet of color in your garden.

18. Maximum

True to its name, the Maximum series offers some of the tallest snapdragons with bright single blossoms in rose, orange, scarlet, red, pink, yellow, and white. Varieties such as ‘Orange Wonder’ and blended color mixes are available, adding a pop of color to your outdoor space.

19. Night and Day

‘Night and Day’ snapdragons feature striking petals that are dark as night and bright as daylight, creating a dramatic contrast. These single spring plants grow to a height of 18 inches and boast a spicy fragrance and eye-catching appearance.

20. Potomac

The Potomac series includes snapdragons in rose, yellow, white, red, orange, lavender, pink, and bicolored blooms. ‘Appleblossom’ is a noteworthy variety with a sweet fruity scent and delicate pastel-colored flowers, reminiscent of blossoms found on an apple tree.

21. Rocket

The Rocket series of snapdragons is known for its tall, straight, and thick stalks that make excellent cut flowers. These plants come in various colors such as red, pink, purple, white, and yellow, adding a vibrant touch to your garden.

22. Sonnet

Sonnet snapdragons are popular for their tall stature and exquisite single flowers in shades of bronze, burgundy, carmine, crimson, pink, rose, white, and yellow. These summer varieties reach a height of 30 inches and are a favorite among gardeners.

23. Topper

The Topper series is the crown jewel of the cottage garden, offering snapdragons with 36-inch-tall spikes in crimson, salmon, yellow, and cream colors. These summer-type plants are sure to add a regal touch to your outdoor space.

Bringing Snapdragons to Your Garden

In conclusion, growing snapdragons in your garden is a surefire way to add a touch of beauty and elegance to your outdoor space. With a wide range of series and cultivars to choose from, you can easily find the perfect snapdragon variety to suit your preferences.

Curate a stunning garden filled with vibrant colors, delightful fragrances, and unique blooms by selecting from the diverse range of snapdragon varieties highlighted in this guide. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice enthusiast, snapdragons are a versatile and rewarding addition to any garden landscape.

So, which snapdragon variety will you choose to adorn your garden? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know which variety caught your eye. Happy gardening!