Description

Its name comes from the flower’s unique shape: if you gently squeeze the sides, the “mouth” of the flower snaps open like a dragon. In Malta, they are incredibly hardy and can often be seen growing out of the cracks in old limestone walls.

💧 Watering
Water regularly at the base. Snapdragons like to stay hydrated, especially during the transition from the cool spring into the warmer Maltese May. However, they are prone to “rust” (a fungal disease that leaves orange spots on the leaves), so avoid getting water on the foliage. If they are in pots, ensure the top 2 cm of soil dries out before watering again.

☀️ Light
They crave full sun. They need at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight to prevent the tall stalks from becoming “leggy” and flopping over. In Malta, they thrive in the bright winter and spring sun. While they can survive the start of summer, they often struggle when the heat becomes “brutta” (nasty) in July, so appreciate some light afternoon shade during the peak heat.

🍃 Foliage / Growth
Snapdragons come in three sizes: Dwarf (perfect for pots), Medium, and Tall (which might need staking against the Majjistral wind). The foliage is dark green and lance-shaped, providing a nice contrast to the vibrant flower spikes that come in almost every color except blue.

🪴 Potting Mix
They prefer a neutral to slightly alkaline soil, which makes them perfectly suited for Malta’s limestone-rich environment. Use a standard potting mix with good drainage. They aren’t overly fussy, but they do best in soil that has been enriched with a little compost.

🌿 Fertilizer
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks once the flower spikes begin to emerge. Once the plant is in full bloom, you can reduce feeding.

🐕🐈 Pet Safety
Safe! Snapdragons are non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. They are an excellent choice for a family garden or a balcony where pets like to roam.

🌬️ Air Purifying
Mainly an outdoor plant, but they are spectacular pollinator magnets. You will often see large carpenter bees (naħla mazzola) prying open the “dragon mouths” to get to the nectar, which is a joy to watch.

*Pictures shown may vary from actual product due to the live nature of the items. Some items may be out of stock for various reasons, we will issue a refund or offer alternatives should that be the case.
The Price is per one individual plant.