How to Grow Snapdragons

Growing Bee Friendly Snapdragons, Planting & Maintenance

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Why Do Bees Like Snapdragons

Snapdragons have an abundance of vibrantly coloured flowers provide an excellent source of nectar and pollen for bees. The bright array of colours, particularly those in shades of violet, purple and pinks, stand out clearly to a bees ultraviolet vision, making them easy to spot when foraging.

The tubular shape of the snapdragon flowers creates a well of nectar for the bees to enjoy, and the abundance of flowers on each plant provides a wealth of food and pollen for them throughout the flowering season. The unique shape of the snapdragon flower means that the petal ‘lips’ open and close. Some species of bees, particularly larger ones like bumblebees, have learned to pry open the flower to access the nectar inside. This makes snapdragons great for larger bee species, as they have the strength and size to access the nectar, even when the flower is closed.

What Type of Snapdragons Are Best For Bees

When choosing snapdragons that are best for bees and other pollinators, it’s important to focus on varieties that offer easy access to nectar and pollen, as well as those that are rich in these essential resources with larger and more abundant flowers.

All varieties of snapdragons are popular with pollinators, but by focusing on choosing snapdragons in shades of violet or other bright shades will make them easy for bees to find. Looking for snapdragons with a more open flower structure will also ensure that smaller bees and other pollinators can get access tot he nectar, as very densely flowered snapdragons can have a closed flower structure that smaller bees will struggle to open.

When & Where To Plant Snapdragons

It’s best to plant snapdragons on the late spring to early summer, when the soil is warmer. Once planted, snapdragons have a long flowering period, and will typically flower from Spring to Autumn, only losing their flowers over the winter months.

Snapdragons like moist but well drained soil, so plant them in areas where the soil is relatively free-draining and not too wet.

Snapdragons need full sun in order to grow and like warm sunny spots, ideally in south-facing gardens where they can get sun for most of the day. It’s best to plant snapdragons in sheltered areas where the wind won’t be too strong, as at their full height of up to two meters they could be damaged or snap in the wind.

Growing From Seed

To propagate snapdragons from seeds, the seeds will need to be sown in Autumn and kept warm in a greenhouse or warm conservatory over the winter. Use a propagator or cover with clear plastic to keep the warmth in. Once the plants have grown large enough they can be moved outside in the spring once the danger of frost is gone.

Snapdragons are a great addition to borders to add height and structure, but can also be grown in containers and pots on patios too.

Maintaining Snapdragons

Snapdragons are easy plants to maintain and will take of of themselves throughout the year. They don’t need to be pruned, though the flowering season can be extended by deadheading spent flowers to encourage more growth.

Snapdragons don’t self seed too well, and the small and vulnerable seedlings can’t survive the winter outside, but you may get some self-seeded flowers in the Autumn by leaving the spent flowers on the plant in spring and summer.

Garden Design Styles For Snapdragons

Snapdragons are excellent additions to bright, colourful and floral gardens. They look wonderful when incorporated into cottage-style gardens and borders, but can also add color and structure to more formal and structured garden designs. Snapdragons will grow well in containers so will work well as patio plants, provided that they’re in a sheltered spot.

Snapdragons can be used as cut flowers to included in arrangements and bouquets inside your home too, and their long flowering period provides you with cut flowers throughout most of the year.

Bountiful Bee-Friendly Flowers

Snapdragons are great additions to pollinator friendly-gardens and their abundant displays and long flowering period adds a lovely pop of colour to your garden through most of the year too. They’re low maintenance plants that don’t typically get targeted by pests, making the easy to care for once they’re past the seedling stage. We recommend including them alongside other bee-friendly flowers so that smaller bees also have access to pollen and nectar in your garden.