Antirrhinums or Snapdragons are a traditional English Garden plant. They are half-hardy annuals that have lovely scented flowers in a wide range of colors.

They get their name because when you gently squeeze the sides of the flower you see the dragon’s mouth open - then carefully let go and it will snap shut – children just love them!
In Holland they are called lion’s lips and in Greek the name Antirrhinum majus means like a nose, so grow some and see what you think!

There are single or double varieties but for an English Garden you really need to have the single flowered ones.
Grow them in great drifts if you have the space or they look good in large pots massed on a patio or in the corner of your yard. Antirrhinums look good when planted with trailing lobelias or violas in pots

Traditionally they have been used for summer bedding – the Victorians were especially fond of them.
Today you can grow brilliant bright reds, oranges or yellows but also all the sizes come in pastel shades which look lovely dappled across your borders

Snapdragons like a sunny spot in well-drained soil , though they will grow in partial shade but usually don't flower so well.
Depending on variety Snapdragons will grow between 9 inches to three feet – 23cm to 90cm, so you can choose the ones that will best suit your garden and situation. The bedding plants in shops and garden centers are often sold as dwarf, medium or tall.
Look out some tall ones they make a gorgeous display but are harder to find.

Sow the seeds in January-March providing low heat, or you can sow them in from late July-to early September in pots in a cold frame and they will flower the following year.

They also make good cut flowers, so grow a pot or patch just for cutting.

For a selection of English Garden annuals click here

Enjoy your garden