Antirrhinum majus - Snapdragon
Family Plantaginaceae
Description:
Several species of Antirrhinum are native to the western Mediterranean and the western U.S. The flowers open when squeezed laterally and close when released, giving rise to the name "snapdragon." These flowers are pollinated by bees that force the two sections of flower apart to reach nectar.
Location:
See plants at entry areas during the cool months of the year.
Size:
A herbaceous plant to nine to twenty-four inches tall, depending on the cultivar.
Care Instructions:
Light: full sun to part shade
Water: moderately drought tolerant, responds well to irrigation
Soil: no special requirements for survival, responds well to fertilizer
This plant performs best as a cool-season annual in Florida. It is perennial where native in southwestern Europe. Many cultivated varieties are available. Flower colors are shades of red, pink, coral, yellow and white. Snapdragons are grown commercially as florist's cut flowers.