Bold on a slim stem
A red snapdragon spike can run from bright scarlet to dark burgundy. The two-lipped blooms stand close together, so the whole stem reads as a single block of colour. Dark red varieties look almost black in low light, and many have a yellow or white throat that gives a little contrast.
Three sizes to choose from
Red snapdragons come in several sizes, so pick the one that matches the job.
- Tall varieties, about 80 to 100 cm, suit cutting and bold backdrops.
- Medium types, around 40 to 60 cm, fit borders and larger pots.
- Dwarf types, around 15 to 25 cm, are for edging and window boxes.
Timing in Australia
Snapdragons are happiest in cool, bright weather. In frost-free coastal areas, plant seedlings from March to May for a long season from winter to spring. In Canberra and the Southern Highlands, wait until after the worst frosts, or protect young plants. Reds can fade in strong sun, so a spot with morning light helps in a hot spring.
Using red
Red looks lovely with white or cream snapdragons, silver foliage or the soft greens of rosemary. Remembrance Day on 11 November and Anzac Day on 25 April are both associated with red poppies, but red snapdragons add a long-lasting alternative in tributes, particularly in a tall vase. Because they do not smell strongly, they sit comfortably next to food.
Poison check
According to the ASPCA, snapdragon is non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses.
