Cool-season color with personality and pollinator power
Snapdragons are one of those plants that feel both nostalgic and fresh—reliable performers with a bit of playfulness and a lot to offer your garden. At Skagit Acres, we love highlighting plants that thrive in our Pacific Northwest climate, and snapdragons check all the boxes for color, structure, and seasonality.
What Are Snapdragons?
Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) are annuals in our region, known for their tall spikes of stacked flowers that resemble tiny dragon mouths—hence the name. If you’ve ever pinched the sides of a bloom and watched it open and close, you know exactly why kids (and let’s be honest, adults too) love them!
They come in just about every color except true blue, and bloom in stages from the bottom up, providing a long-lasting display in flower beds, borders, or containers.
Why We Recommend Them in the PNW
Our cooler spring and early summer weather is ideal for snapdragons. They prefer mild temperatures and can fizzle out when intense heat arrives, making them perfect for early-season planting. The good news? With proper care and a bit of deadheading, many snapdragons will bounce back with a second bloom when cooler weather returns in the fall.
In the Skagit Valley and other parts of western Washington, this means snapdragons can offer you color from late spring into early summer—and sometimes again in September or October.
Growing Tips
Snapdragons are easy to grow, even for beginners. Here are a few tips to keep them happy:
- Light: Full sun is ideal, but a little afternoon shade can help extend bloom time in warmer spots.
- Soil: Well-drained soil is key. They don’t like wet feet, so if you have clay soil, mix in compost to improve drainage.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially when plants are young or during dry spells.
- Deadheading: Regularly remove spent blooms to encourage fresh flowers and delay dormancy.
- Support: Taller varieties may benefit from light staking or planting in groups to keep them upright.
Bonus: Great for Pollinators and Bouquets
Snapdragons are popular with hummingbirds and bumblebees, both of which are strong enough to navigate the “dragon mouth” blooms. They're also a favorite for cutting gardens. A few stems in a jar or vase can brighten up any space and last for several days.
Fun Fact
Snapdragons were once believed to offer protection from evil spirits when planted near a home's entrance. While we can’t confirm that, we can say they’ll definitely boost your curb appeal.
Come See Them in Bloom
Snapdragons are in stock now at Skagit Acres in a wide mix of colors and sizes, from dwarf types for borders to tall varieties that add height and flair. Stop in while selections are best—we’d love to help you pick the perfect match for your garden.