Simple Drama – The Charm Of The Snapdragon

Snapdragon flowers are magnificent with respect to their color and shape. There are so many difference kinds available on the market that it is not surprising that this plant is taking over the landscapes by storm! The charm of the snapdragon lies in its versatility, and it is akin to a simple drama to watch these flowers bloom!  These annuals are useful anywhere in your landscape where you are looking for a splash of breathtaking color.

Snapdragons are amazingly versatile. They come in three varieties that will permit them to either be planted in the foreground, middle, or background of your flower bed: they are dwarfed and only grow about 10 inches tall, mid-sized at about 25 inches, and tall with a proud 40 inches. While the plants usually prefer the full sun, they will thrive just as well in light shade. Keep in mind that the tallest varieties need to be staked for support, since the weight of the blooms is sometimes more than a stalk can carry.

Here are some of the most beloved kinds:

The Gum Drops mix by Burpee is probably the most famous seed packet for snapdragons you will be able to purchase. The color combinations are stunning, and what adds to the charm of this plant is the fact that each bloom is actually bi-colored that adds even more color to your yard.

If you remember the tall standing snapdragons that you have probably beheld in the backs of some flowerbeds, you will want to consider purchasing Burpee’s Plum Blossom variety. Bi-colored, they are purple and pink and will love to grow in partial sun.

At your garden store you will probably run into the variety of seedlings and starter plants called Floral Carpet. This is a dwarf variety and will grow an average of five inches tall. This is a wonderful addition to any border.

If the bi-colored flowers are too much for your liking, check out the Little Darling hybrid, which features bright, strong colors, such as yellow, purple, and even burgundy. When adding such strong colors to your landscape it is important that other flowers do not have to compete for attention with these snapdragons.

As you can see, there are few annuals as varied and wonderful as the snapdragons. Adding color to your yard, and also hardiness that might be elusive to other flowers, these plants have been bred to become shatterproof – meaning that their blossoms will not drop off upon having been fertilized by bees. There are also a variety of hybrids on the market that will resist the rust fungus.

Whenever you see that your plants are getting past the bloom, it is important to cut off the mature flowers. This will signal the plant that it is ready to produce even more blooms, and you will be able to enjoy magnificently colored flowers through the summer and early fall.  Gardeners of all zones love this plant, which makes little demands on the hobbyist, but will gratefully accept well drained soil, and periodic watering.

If you like to experiment with different kinds of snapdragon seeds, make sure to save the package or at least write down the name of the hybrid you are working with. This way you will know which kind of plant you will want to pick out for the next growing season, and which you may consider avoiding, depending on the needs in your yard. So go ahead and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the snapdragon, and if you are a child at heart, you may find yourself going outside to see if you can gently coax open the bloom only to see it snap shut again.