Are Snapdragons a Perennial?

All plants, including snapdragons, fall into three basic groups depending on their growing habits. Annuals complete their growth cycle in one year, biennials produce rosettes of leaves the first year and bloom the second year, and perennials return each year.

Time Frame

• Snapdragons are annuals that complete their life cycle from seed to plant and back to seed within one year. The entire plant dies at the end of the summer.

Types

• Snapdragons are classified by their height at maturity. Dwarf snapdragons reach a height of 6 to 12 inches, medium snapdragons reach a height of 12 to 24 inches and tall snapdragons reach heights of 4 feet or more.

Features

• Individual blooms form alternately along a tall spire, creating a cluster of bicolor blooms. Each bloom contains two "lips" and, when squeezed from the side, the bloom pops open to resemble the open mouth of a dragon. When released, the mouth snaps shut.