Antirrhinum majus aka Snapdragon

Antirrhinum majus is the common snapdragon. It belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. Kew places its native range in the eastern Pyrenees and France. Other sources give a wider range in southwest Europe and the Mediterranean. It grows on old walls, rocks, and dry sites. This perennial lives for a short time. Gardens often grow it as an annual, for one year. Its base can become woody, and it sheds its leaves.

Most garden plants stand 0.5–3 feet [0.15–0.91 metres] tall. Florida sources give the same range for their spread. NC State gives a spread below one foot [0.30 metres]. RHS lists taller plants that reach 8.2 feet [2.5 metres]. Stems grow upright, though some scramble or sprawl. The smooth leaves are green, narrow, and often glossy. Lower leaves may grow in pairs across the stem. Upper leaves alternate, growing on each side in turn. Tall plants may need stakes to keep their stems upright.

Flowers grow in racemes, clusters at the ends of stems. Each flower has two lips like a dragon's snout. Bees push the lips apart to reach the nectar. The species has pink or purple flowers with a scent. Garden forms have white, yellow, orange, red, and mixed colours. Bloom can last from late spring through autumn. In Florida, plants bloom in the cooler months instead. Small, dry, brown seed pods, called capsules, follow the flowers. The calyx, the flower's outer parts, hides part of each capsule. The flowers also draw butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden.

Give snapdragons sun and rich soil that drains well. They also grow in some shade and several soil types. Keep the soil moist; plants do not cope well with drought. Summer heat can weaken growth and lead to fewer blooms. Florida sources report that plants live for years in USDA zones 7–11. RHS rates the species H2: it cannot withstand freezing. Remove spent flowers to help bloom last longer. Plants do not need pruning. Use them in beds, borders, pots, and gardens for cut flowers. Deer seldom damage them.

Rust can cause serious harm, as can other fungal diseases. These include mildew, leaf spots, wilts, and root rots. Aphids may also attack plants. Avoid watering from above. The flowers are edible but bitter, so they suit garnishes. PFAF reports seed oil use but questions that report. It also records past uses as medicine and flower dyes. ASPCA lists snapdragons as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.