8 Types Of Snapdragon Flowers

Snapdragons are cherished for their unique, dragon-shaped flowers that delight both children and adults. These charming blooms, known scientifically as Antirrhinum majus, offer a stunning variety of colours, shapes, and sizes. They are a wonderful choice for adding height and texture to garden beds and are a favourite among florists for creating beautiful bouquets. 

This guide will walk you through the many different types of snapdragons, helping you choose the perfect ones for any occasion, whether you are planting them in your garden or selecting them for a special arrangement.

To fully appreciate snapdragons, it helps to understand how they are categorised. Growers and florists typically group them by their height and the shape of their flowers. This classification makes it easier to select the right variety for a specific purpose, whether you need tall, dramatic stems for a floral bouquet or a compact, bushy plant for a patio container.

8 Popular Snapdragon Series and Cultivars

Over the years, plant breeders have developed many different series of snapdragons, each with its own unique characteristics. A "series" means you can get the same plant habits (like height and bloom time) in a wide variety of different colours.

1. The "Rocket" Series: A Florist's Favourite

The Rocket series is one of the most popular and reliable tall snapdragon varieties. As the name suggests, they shoot upwards on strong, straight stems, making them absolutely perfect for the cut flower industry. 

They are prized for their uniform growth, vigorous nature, and wide range of clear, bright colours including red, pink, yellow, and white. If you are looking for a classic, tall snapdragon for a stunning bouquet, the Rocket series is an excellent choice.

2. The "Madame Butterfly" Series: Frilly and Romantic

For those who love a touch of romance, the Madame Butterfly series is a must-have. These are double-flowered snapdragons, meaning each blossom is packed with layers of frilly petals. The flowers have an azalea-like appearance and add a wonderful softness and texture to any arrangement. 

They come in a beautiful palette of pastel and jewel tones. Because of their unique form, they don't "snap" like traditional varieties, but their exceptional beauty more than makes up for it.

3. The "Chantilly" Series: Delicate and Fragrant

The Chantilly series stands out for its open-faced, bell-shaped flowers. These blooms have a light, delicate appearance that is very different from the classic snapdragon shape. They are often compared to miniature hollyhocks. 

Many varieties within the Chantilly series also have a light, sweet fragrance, which is a lovely bonus. Their long stems and graceful form make them a sophisticated addition to floral arrangements.

4. The "Potomac" Series: Reliable and Versatile

The Potomac series is a florist-quality snapdragon known for its strong performance, especially in warmer weather conditions. This makes it a good option to consider for growing in Singapore's climate. These plants produce tall, thick stems with densely packed florets, ensuring a long vase life. 

Available in a wide spectrum of colours, the Potomac series is a dependable choice for creating vibrant and long-lasting bouquets.

5. The "Twinny" Series: Compact and Colourful

For smaller spaces, the Twinny series is a fantastic dwarf variety. It is unique for its double "butter-and-eggs" style flowers, which are ruffled and colourful. Growing into a neat, compact mound, it is perfect for pots, containers, and the front of a border. This series is known for its wide range of soft pastel colours, including peach, apple blossom, and bronze, bringing a touch of gentle colour to any space.

6. 'Black Prince’

This striking variety is known for its dramatic colouring. It features deep, velvety crimson flowers that stand out against dark bronze-green foliage. It is a real showstopper in the garden.

7. 'Night and Day'

As its name suggests, this cultivar is all about contrast. It has deep, velvety red flowers with a pure white tube, creating a stunning two-tone effect that is both elegant and dramatic.

8. 'Frosted Flames'

This is a variety grown as much for its leaves as its flowers. The foliage is variegated, with green leaves beautifully edged in creamy white. This makes the plant attractive even before its pink and yellow flowers appear.

Classification by Height

The most common way to group snapdragons is by their mature height. This determines their role in a garden design or floral arrangement. From towering spires of colour to neat little mounds, there is a snapdragon size for every need.

Tall Varieties

Tall snapdragons are the classic choice for cut flower gardens and for adding a vertical element to the back of a flower bed. Growing between 75cm and 1.2 metres, these varieties produce long, sturdy stems packed with blossoms. 

Their impressive height makes them a focal point in any garden. They are the go-to type for florists who need long stems for creating large, elegant bouquets and arrangements. Popular series in this category include the well-loved Rocket and Maximum series, known for their strong stems and vibrant colours.

Intermediate Varieties

Also known as mid-sized snapdragons, these types are incredibly versatile. They typically grow between 40cm and 75cm tall, making them perfect for the middle of a garden border. They provide a beautiful bridge between taller background plants and shorter foreground flowers. 

Intermediate varieties are also excellent for cut flower arrangements, offering a good stem length without being as imposing as the tallest types. The Sonnet and Liberty series are popular examples, offering a wide range of beautiful colours on robust plants.

Dwarf Varieties

Dwarf snapdragons are compact, bushy plants that usually grow between 15cm and 40cm in height. Their small size makes them ideal for the front of garden beds, for creating colourful edging, or for planting in containers and window boxes. 

They produce a profusion of flower spikes, creating a mound of continuous colour. While their stems are too short for traditional bouquets, they can be used in small posies. Look for series like Floral Showers and Magic Carpet for a wonderful selection of dwarf snapdragons.

Trailing Varieties

For something a little different, trailing snapdragons offer a cascading habit that is perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, and spilling over the edges of retaining walls. Instead of growing upright, their stems spread and hang downwards, covered in beautiful blooms. This creates a stunning waterfall effect of colour. The Luminaire and Candy Showers series are excellent choices if you are looking for a trailing snapdragon to add a unique touch to your patio or balcony garden.

Classification by Flower Form

Beyond their height, snapdragons also vary in the shape of their blossoms. While the classic "snapping" flower is the most famous, there are other beautiful forms to discover.

Traditional Single Flowers

This is the iconic snapdragon flower that gives the plant its name. The flower is made of two lobes that, when gently squeezed on the sides, open and close like a dragon's mouth. This classic form is beloved for its playful nature and is the most common type you will find.

Double Flowers (Azalea or Butterfly Type)

Double-flowered snapdragons have extra petals that give them a much fuller, ruffled appearance. These blossoms are often so full that they do not have the classic "snapping" ability. They are sometimes called azalea-flowered or butterfly snapdragons because the open, frilly blooms resemble these other flowers. They add a soft, romantic texture to gardens and bouquets and tend to have a longer vase life. The Madame Butterfly series is the most famous example of this type.

Open-Faced Flowers

Less common but equally lovely are the open-faced or bell-type snapdragons. The petals on these varieties do not fuse together to form the typical dragon's jaw. Instead, they remain open, creating a bell-like shape. This form offers a more delicate and airy look compared to the traditional type. The Chantilly series features beautiful open-faced flowers.

The Symbolism and Meaning Behind Snapdragon Colours

Like many flowers, snapdragons carry symbolic meanings, which can vary depending on their colour. Generally, they are said to represent grace, strength, and even a touch of magic or deviousness, likely due to their dragon-like appearance.

• Red Snapdragons: Unsurprisingly, red flowers symbolise passion, love, and positive energy. A bouquet with red snapdragons sends a powerful message of affection.
• Yellow Snapdragons: Yellow is the colour of happiness and joy. Yellow snapdragons represent smiles, good fortune, and positive feelings.
• White Snapdragons: White is a symbol of purity, innocence, grace, and new beginnings. White snapdragons are a beautiful choice for weddings and christenings.
• Purple Snapdragons: Purple has long been associated with royalty, spirituality, and wisdom. Purple snapdragons can add a touch of elegance and mystery to an arrangement.
• Pink Snapdragons: Pink conveys gentler emotions like admiration, gratitude, and playfulness. They are a perfect choice for a thank you bouquet or to celebrate a friendship.

How to Care for Snapdragons in Singapore's Climate

While snapdragons traditionally prefer cooler temperatures, they can be grown successfully in Singapore, typically as annuals. Providing the right care will help them thrive.

Choosing the Right Spot

Snapdragons love the sun. They need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to produce the best blooms. However, in Singapore's intense heat, they will benefit from some light shade during the hottest part of the afternoon. 

The most important factor is the soil. It must be well-draining, as snapdragons are prone to root rot if their roots stay wet for too long. If you are planting in pots, make sure to use a good quality potting mix and a container with plenty of drainage holes.

Watering and Feeding

Keep the soil consistently moist, but never waterlogged. It is best to water the plants at their base, avoiding the foliage, as wet leaves can encourage fungal diseases. Check the soil every day or two, especially for plants in containers, and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. 

Snapdragons are not heavy feeders. A general-purpose liquid fertiliser, diluted to half-strength and applied every three to four weeks, is all they need to support healthy growth and flowering.

Encouraging More Blooms

A couple of simple techniques can help you get more flowers from your snapdragon plants.

• Pinching: When the young plants are about 10cm tall, pinch off the top set of leaves. This encourages the plant to branch out from the base, resulting in a bushier plant with more flower spikes.
• Deadheading: This is the most important task for continuous blooms. As the flowers on a spike begin to fade, cut the entire spike off at the base. This stops the plant from putting its energy into making seeds and instead encourages it to produce more flowers.

Snapdragons as Annuals or Perennials

In cooler climates, snapdragons are often treated as short-lived perennials, meaning they can live for a few years. However, in tropical climates like Singapore, the high heat and humidity make it difficult for them to survive year-round. For this reason, they are best grown as annuals, planted for a season of beautiful blooms and then replaced.

Using Snapdragon Flowers in Bouquets and Arrangements

Snapdragons are a wonderfully versatile flower in floral design. They are considered a "line flower," which means they have a tall, linear shape that helps to establish the structure and height of an arrangement. The tall varieties are perfect for creating dramatic, soaring centrepieces. 

Intermediate varieties work beautifully in everyday bouquets, while the double-flowered types like Madame Butterfly add a luxurious, romantic texture. They pair beautifully with round-faced flowers like roses and peonies, as well as delicate flowers like baby's breath and lush greenery.

Conclusion On Types of Snapdragon Flowers

The world of snapdragons is wonderfully diverse, offering a fantastic range of heights, forms, and colours to suit any taste or purpose. From the towering spires of the Rocket series to the charming, compact mounds of the Twinny series, there is a snapdragon for every garden and every vase. 

Their rich symbolism and classic beauty make them a meaningful and delightful choice for any occasion. By understanding the different types available, you can easily add their unique charm and vibrant colour to your home and garden.

If you have any questions or want to order a beautiful bouquet of flowers, please contact us. Visit Singapore Florist to find beautiful flowers and bouquets for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Snapdragon Flowers

What Are The Different Types Of Snapdragon Flowers?

Snapdragons are mainly categorised by their height and flower shape. The height categories are Tall (over 75cm), Intermediate (40cm-75cm), Dwarf (15cm-40cm), and Trailing (cascading). The flower shapes include the Traditional single flower (the classic "snapping" type), the Double Flower (frilly, azalea-like blooms), and the Open-Faced flower (bell-shaped).

Which Type Of Snapdragon Is Best For Bouquets?

Tall and intermediate varieties are the best for bouquets because of their long, sturdy stems. Series like Rocket, Potomac, and Chantilly are professional florist favourites. They provide height, structure, and a beautiful line element to floral arrangements. The double-flowered Madame Butterfly series is also exceptional for adding romantic texture.

Do Snapdragons Come In Different Colours?

Yes, snapdragons come in a vast array of colours. You can find them in almost every shade except true blue. They are available in vibrant and pastel shades of white, yellow, orange, pink, red, purple, and even multi-coloured or bicolour varieties.

Can Snapdragons Grow In Pots Or Small Spaces?

Absolutely. Dwarf and trailing snapdragon varieties are perfect for growing in pots, containers, window boxes, and hanging baskets. Dwarf series like Floral Showers and Twinny form neat, colourful mounds, while trailing series like Candy Showers are designed to spill beautifully over the edges of containers.

Which Snapdragons Bloom The Longest?

To get the longest blooming period, choose modern hybrid series known for their vigorous growth. More importantly, the key to long-lasting blooms is proper care. Regularly deadheading the spent flower spikes is crucial as it prevents the plant from setting seed and encourages it to produce new waves of flowers throughout its growing season.

Are All Snapdragons Fragrant?

Not all snapdragons are fragrant, and the intensity of the scent can vary greatly between different varieties. Some, particularly certain yellow and white cultivars, are known to have a light, sweet, or fruity fragrance. The Chantilly series is one example that is often noted for its pleasant scent. However, many modern hybrids have been bred for colour and stem length rather than fragrance.