Snapdragon 'Madame Butterfly Red'

Madame Butterfly Red (Antirrhinum majus)

Velvety and bold, Madame Butterfly Red Snapdragon adds a flush of old-world drama to the garden. With azalea-type double blooms in a rich, romantic red, these open-faced flowers unfurl along tall, elegant stems like petals pressed from a Victorian love letter. The ruffled texture and deep, glowing hue bring passion and depth to cutting gardens, borders, and bouquet work.

A Group 3 snapdragon, this variety performs beautifully throughout the growing season, thriving in both spring and summer plantings. Strong stems, long bloom time, and a vintage silhouette make Madame Butterfly Red a striking companion to creams, blushes, and toffee tones in heirloom-inspired arrangements.

DETAILS:

QTY: 50

TYPE: Annual

SITE: Full Sun/ Part Shade

DEPTH: Surface Sow

GERMINATION: 10 - 21 days at 21-24°C

HEIGHT: 28 - 36"

MATURITY: 110 - 120 Days

SPACING: 6 - 8"

PINCH: Yes

HOW TO GROW:

Indoors (recommended): For best results, freeze seeds for 48 hours prior to sowing to improve germination. Sow seeds into flats or other seedling containers 8–10 weeks before your average last frost date. Light is required for germination, so surface-sow the seeds and cover just enough to hold them in place. A very fine layer of vermiculite can be used to maintain moisture levels while still allowing light to penetrate. To avoid displacing the tiny seeds, bottom water or mist the containers lightly. Once seedlings are established, harden them off for 7-10 days before transplanting them outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.

Direct Seeding (not recommended): Snapdragons require a long, cool growing season to produce blooms. Direct seeding is generally not recommended as it often results in later, less prolific flowering.

Soil Preference and Watering: Snapdragons thrive in full sun and prefer rich, well-drained soil. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during germination and while young plants are establishing. Once mature, water regularly but avoid waterlogging the soil.

Pinching: To encourage a bushier plant with more flowers, pinch the tops of young plants when they are 4–6 inches tall. This will promote branching. If pinching, space the plants 6–8 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.

Fertilizing: Snapdragons are heavy feeders. Regular applications of a balanced liquid fertilizer will promote continuous blooming. Alternatively, amend the soil with compost before planting.