ANIRRHINUM

Naturally  occurring in the temperate Northern Hemisphere, this genus of around 40 species of annuals, perennials, and subshrubs belongs in the flwort family (Scrophulariaceae). The best-known types are the garden annuals, loved by children for the way the mouth of the flower opens and closes with squeezing, hence they are commonly called snapdragon-althogh the genus name means nose-like. Most species are compact plants that form a low shrubby mound of simple rounded to lance-shaped leaves, some-times with a gray-green tint. Flowering stms develop from late spring and carry heads of the familiar 2-lipped tubular blooms from early summer into autumn. Snapdragon seed is rich in oil, which in former times was extracted and used like olive oil.

CULTIVATION

Snapdragons grow best in a fertile, moist, humus-rich soil in full sun. The Mediterranean species are reasonably drought tolerant but still need moisture to flower well. Deadhead to extend the flowering season. Tall plants may need staking. Rust diseases can cause problems in humid conditions. Propagation is usually by seed, through perennials will grow from cuttings of non-flowering stems.

Top Tip

Although they are short-lived perennials, Antirrhinum majus cultivars are best treated as annuals. Older plants are at greater risk of disease, and flower quality fades after the first year.