Growing Snapdragons In Pots – Tips For Snapdragon Container Care

potted snapdragon
potted snapdragon
(Image credit: manfredxy)

Snapdragons are perennials—often grown as annuals—that produce a pretty and brightly-colored spike of flowers. While often used in beds, container grown snapdragons are another great garden, patio, and even indoor option for using these striking flowers.

About Snapdragons in Containers

Snapdragons have pretty, bell-shaped flowers that grow in clusters on a tall spike. They are cool-weather flowers, so expect them to bloom in spring and fall, not summer. They come in a range of colors including white, yellow, orange, pink, purple, red, and more. Snapdragons also come in different sizes, from 6 to 36 inches (15 cm. to almost a meter). A bunch of snapdragons of approximately the same height, but in a mix of colors, looks stunning in any kind of container. Another great way to grow a snapdragon in a pot is to combine it with other plants. Everyone loves a mixed pot, but it isn’t always easy to get the perfect look you see in nursery creations. The secret is to use a mix of tall, short, and creeping or spilling plants – think thriller, filler, spiller. For the tall plant, people tend to reach for traditional ‘spikes,’ but you can also use a spiky flower, like a snapdragon, to add that tall element.

Snapdragon Container Care

Growing snapdragons in pots isn’t difficult, especially if you've grown them previously in beds. They prefer full sun, but with a container you can move them around to catch the light. Make sure the container drains well, and that you water it regularly. The soil in a pot will dry out much more quickly than the soil in a flower bed. As the snapdragon flowers die off, deadhead them to encourage more blooms. As the summer heats up, they will stop blooming, but be patient and you’ll get more flowers in the fall. Containers with snapdragons can be a great way to brighten up your patio or balcony.

Mary Ellen Ellis
Writer

Mary Ellen Ellis has been gardening for over 20 years. With degrees in Chemistry and Biology, Mary Ellen's specialties are flowers, native plants, and herbs.