Friday, May 13, 2011

Snap Dragons

Like a multi-color flower garden? Plant snap dragons. When I planted my snap dragons, they were itty bitty plants. I think the spring season kicked in real good at my cottage just prior to Mother's Day because the snap dragons grew to an amazing width and height. They're gorgeous! The colors vary from yellow to pink, purple, and variations of red. I can't get over the vibrant yellow. It makes me think of those huge tart lemons you can find in So Cal, and I can nearly taste my favorite Lemon Curd from the UK when I bask in the beauty of the yellow snap dragon.
Multi-colored snap dragons
Snap dragon lovelies
Yellow snap dragons make me want to eat my favorite Lemon Curd.
I'm in love with these gorgeous snap dragons in my garden.
 Did you know that Snap Dragon plants:
  • grow best in full sun?
  • grow well in average soil?
  • are native to the Mediterranean?
  • can withstand a heavy frost?
  • often bloom in the fall even after wilting in extreme summer heat?
Snap dragons should be fertilized monthly. Cut the plant back to approximately six inches after the flowers dry up and die. Fertilizer should be added at that time to promote new growth for a second bloom. Fertilizing monthly probably is one reason my snaps took off so fast this spring. Another reason they grew quickly could be because I cut off all the dried up flowers and leaves a few months back. Then the mulch I keep in the garden along with watering helps. 
Rosebuds - Lots of them!

Beautiful nature!
Sedum
Lavender
Snap dragons and roses make a beautiful garden combination. I've always favored roses for their beauty, variety of colors, and aroma. Last year I planted rose bushes, miniature rose plants, lavender, a Dusty Miller, sedum and these snap dragons. 
It wasn't until this spring that I realized how much I love the snap dragons. They offer quite a beautiful array of colors and make gorgeous flower gardens without any other flowers included. You can plant them to hide unsightly fences, plant them in containers, and decorate in a floral arrangement. Wherever you decide to plant your snap dragons, you can count on enjoying a beautiful multi-color flower garden.
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    12 comments:

    Heather at Dusty Bay said...

    Pretty! I have some beautiful white ones - I love their colour!!

    Larry said...

    Snapdragons in bloom... weeks away from that here! Nice post! L

    KK said...

    oh I love your snap dragons. they are so intricate and dainty. i need me some snap dragons!

    Unknown said...

    I so love snaps! What fun we had as kids, putting them on our finger tips & making them 'talk' ...

    Have a beautiful PINK weekend ~
    TTFN ~
    Marydon

    5 Day GIVEAWAY, pop over

    Paula said...

    Your snap dragons are lovely! I can't wait to plant mine - have to wait till Mem Day to make sure it doesnt' freeze - thanks for shairng! Paula from Idaho
    http://bucketideasforgardening.blogspot.com/

    Paula ~ castleandcottagesigns said...

    Love snapdragons! Beautiful photos:)

    LV said...

    I have never tried to have these snap dragon plants. I may have to get some as yours are so pretty.

    Cindy said...

    Your garden is beautiful! I have never grown snapdragons, I love tall pretty flowers!
    Hugs, Cindy

    Stephanie said...

    I would love to have some snapdragons. I have so much shade, I don't know if I could find a place that they would be happy. But, worth a try!

    Stephanie
    aka luluscottage.blogspot.com (I'm giving away something pretty!)

    Stitchfork said...

    Love the snapdragons! My grandfather would pinch a bloom and make us think it was talking to us when we were small!
    xo Cathy

    Tammy@Beatrice Banks said...

    Lovely flowers! Your garden has really taken off. Beautiful!

    ~✽Mumsy✽~ said...

    Thanks for information on snap dragons. I was looking for some that can withstand full sun, and this is it: snap dragons.

    Gorgeous photos.