Dwarf snapdragon cultivars ( _ Antirrhinum majus _ ) grow 8 to 12 inches tall , significantly brusque thanstandard snapdragons , which originate 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 feet tall . Withfull sunandwell - draining dirt , these little perennials brighten up the landscape with colored white , chicken , peach , pinkish , violet , ruddy and bi - colored flowers . Through dwarf snapdragon are technically perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture flora hardiness zona 7 through 10 , you could also cover them as annuals in USDA zone 7 and lower .
Tip
Dwarf snapdragons are one of the few plants thatdeer do n’t eat , plus they are n’t invasive or aggressive in their growth drug abuse . Dwarf snapdragon cultivar let in :
Continuous-Release Fertilizer
Fertilize dwarf snapdragon once in spring , aright after plant , in USDA zones 2 through 7 . In USDA zones 8 through 10 , fertilise in fall after planting to provide nutrients for the wintertime growing time of year . Use acontinuous - release fertilizer , such as a 12 - 4 - 8 product , to provide sustained nutrient . employ 4 tablespoons per 4 square groundwork or bottom around the nanus snapdragon . Scatter the dry fertiliser evenly over the soil , then irrigate the orbit until the soil is damp 6 in abstruse .
Water Regularly
Water midget snapdragons when the top 1/2 to 1 in of the soil starts to experience ironic , give the bed enough piddle todampen the land 6 inches cryptic . Caring for dwarf snapdragons successfully requires a delicate balance of regular water , without water too much . always wet , mucky soil can cause them to turn poorly .
Removing the Flowers
As gnome snapdragon bloom and go to seed , remove the beat and fading flowers . This encourages the plants to bloom more copiously through the season . To remove the all in flowers , a operation calleddeadheading , pinch the stalk directly below the flower using your fingernail . moisten your hands with soap and piddle after .
While dwarf snapdragons do n’t require the regularpinching backthat standard varieties do , some pinching during the first part of the grow season helps create a bushy plant that attend full and lush . snarf off the top 1/2 inch or so of each stalk . Pinch back the peak once after establish , then allow them to grow and flower .
Pests and Problems
condition midget snapdragon foraphidsthrough the grow time of year . Aphids , small , gentle - bodied insects that can be greenish , black or pinkish , give on the leaf and flower . Also keep an center out forspider mite , which are minuscule white pests that mould afine webbingover the leaves where they are feeding . initiate by wash aphids and spider speck off with a strong stream of water , then check out daily and follow up with additional water . If the pests keep coming back , mix 4 teaspoons ofinsecticidal soapwith 1 quart of water supply in a clean garden sprayer or spray bottle . apply the mixture to spray the insects and affected leave of absence , until the area is wet . Repeat every four to seven days until the pests are eradicated .
Warning
Although insecticidal soap is consider less toxic than other insecticides , wear long pant , a long - sleeved shirt , optic shelter and gloves when working with it . Spray only when it ’s not windy and keep small fry and positron emission tomography out of the orbit until the spray has dried .
nanus and standard snapdragons are highly susceptible to rust fungus , a prejudicial fungal disease that blemish and kill the plants . The dear way of life to preclude this job is by buying and planting the widely uncommitted rust - resistant dwarf snapdragon varieties .
