Antirrhinum majus 'Sonnet'
Antirrhinum majus ‘Sonnet’ is a garden-height F1 series bred for landscapes, containers, and home cutting. It stands out for sturdy branching and a long season of bloom. Plants flower with about 12 hours of daylength and suit spring and fall in most of North America. Fragrant spikes attract pollinators in sunny beds and large pots. Stems work for home bouquets when cut at one third open.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: F1 series; garden height
- Height × spread: 18-24 in (45-60 cm) × 10-12 in (25-30 cm)
- Bloom window: spring to early summer; extends with deadheading
- Color & flower form: mix; classic snapdragon form
- Fragrance: 2 noticeable
- USDA hardiness: grown as annual in most of North America; short-lived perennial in zones 7-10
- Breeder / Year / Origin: Sakata Ornamentals, unknown, Japan
- Cut-flower notes: good for home cuts; typical vase life ~7-10 days
- Pet safety: safe
How it differs
- Shorter and bushier than tall cut-flower strains.
- Initiates buds at roughly 12 hour days for earlier bloom.
- Offers noticeable scent compared with many bedding strains.
Strengths
- Strong root system and sturdy branching.
- Performs in large containers and garden displays.
- Long flowering window with regular deadheading.
Care in one minute
- Site: full sun to light shade in warm areas.
- Soil and pH: rich, well-drained media; production pH 5.5 to 5.8; many gardens succeed near neutral.
- Water: regular moisture; water early to keep foliage dry by night.
- Feeding: moderate feed with nitrate-based fertilizer.
- Pinch and tidy: pinch once; remove spent spikes to keep plants compact.
Watch‑outs
- Can pause in peak summer heat in hot zones.
- Watch for rust, downy mildew, and botrytis in cool, wet weather.
Best uses (tags)
- containers
- borders
- home cutting
- pollinators
Provenance note
An F1 series from Sakata Ornamentals; culture guides specify 12 hour days for flowering and note the series’ fragrance.
References
- Sakata Ornamentals – Sonnet page
- Sakata Ornamentals EU – Sonnet culture guide
- NC State Extension Plant Toolbox – Antirrhinum majus
- Cornell High Tunnels – Snapdragon vase life
- ASPCA – Common Snapdragon (non-toxic)
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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