Difference Between a Snapdragon & a Summer Snapdragon

Origin and Varieties

• Native to northern Africa, Spain and the Mediterranean, common snapdragon has been cultivated since the 1700s. This plant is available in about 40 species and more than 200 cultivars. Common snapdragon is generally grouped by size: dwarf, intermediate and tall. Summer snapdragon is native to Mexico and the West Indies and has been available commercially since the 1990s. This plant has fewer varieties than common snapdragon, and aside from Angelonia angustifolia and its cultivars, most are not available commercially.

Description

• Common snapdragon bears tubular-shaped flowers that resemble a dragon’s face. Its velvety blooms grow on erect spikes, ranging in height from less than 6 inches up to 4 feet tall. Each spike produces about 10 to 15 blooms, and flower colors include white, yellow, orange, pink, red and lavender. Summer snapdragon flowers resemble common snapdragon blooms but are looser and more open. Flower colors include white, pink, blue and purple. Blooms are carried on dark green or gray-green spikes that generally range from 12 to 24 inches tall. Foliage has a slight fruity scent when crushed.

Bloom Time and Temperature

• Common snapdragon thrives in cooler temperatures and tolerates light frost. This plant blooms best between 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit but quickly fades when daily temperatures climb above 80 degrees F. In areas that experience hard freezes, common snapdragon is planted in spring, after danger of frost has passed. It blooms from April until the first hard frost, if summer temperatures remain moderate. In areas that experience mild winters and hot summers, common snapdragon is often set out in fall and will bloom up to mid-spring. Unlike common snapdragon, summer snapdragon grows best when temperatures remain between 60 to 85 degrees F. Growth slows when temperatures drop below 50 degrees F. Summer snapdragon thrives in heat and humidity and blooms vigorously for at least 6 weeks during the summer months. Cutting the plants back to half their height midway through the summer will extend the bloom time.

Soil, Sun and Water

• Common snapdragon grows in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-drained, organic soil. This plant needs to be watered frequently until it becomes established and does not tolerate drought. Summer snapdragon grows best in full sun and prefers well-drained, moderately dry soil. This plant does not do well in soggy, wet conditions. Soil should be allowed to dry out slightly before watering. Once established, summer snapdragon is relatively drought-tolerant.