Chapter 1
The mechanical mouth
Chapter 2
The spooky transformation
Chapter 3
The genetics rebel
Chapter 4
From the Mediterranean to the backyard
Ch 4 · From the Mediterranean to the backyard
artiteacher Dwarf and Giant Snapdragons
From tiny dwarf Tom Thumbs to giant Potomac stems reaching for the sky.
artiteacher Wild ancestors in Italy and North Africa explain why these flowers prefer well-drained soil and bloom in early spring.
artiteacher Roman soldiers planted these lucky flowers around their European military camps and villas.
Fun Fact
Cold survivors: Unlike many summer annuals, snapdragons can survive light frosts and will keep blooming beautifully through cold autumn days.
Glossary
snapdragon (noun)
A popular garden plant of the plantain family, having spikes of showy, mouthlike flowers. Native to the Mediterranean, the wildflower was grown in American gardens by Thomas Jefferson starting in 1767.
A popular garden plant of the plantain family, having spikes of showy, mouthlike flowers. Native to the Mediterranean, the wildflower was grown in American gardens by Thomas Jefferson starting in 1767.
Quiz
What type of soil do snapdragons prefer due to their cliff-dwelling ancestral roots?
Quiz
Which ancient empire is credited with spreading snapdragon seeds across northern Europe?
Quiz
What is the gardening term for plucking off the top of a young snapdragon stem to encourage branching?
Quiz
At what height is it ideal to pinch a young snapdragon plant to encourage bushy growth?
Quiz
Which type of snapdragon variety is best suited for small window boxes and container gardens?