How to Grow Snapdragon Madame Butterfly

Snapdragon Madame Butterfly

Antirrhinum majus 'Madame Butterfly'

flower

Madame Butterfly is a double-flowered snapdragon variety that produces large, ruffled blooms resembling butterfly wings or exotic orchids. This tall annual flower is prized for its dramatic, fully double petals and long stems ideal for cutting. It grows vigorously and blooms prolifically throughout the growing season.

Looking for a specific variety?

Madame Butterfly Pink Madame Butterfly White Madame Butterfly Red Madame Butterfly Crimson Madame Butterfly Salmon Madame Butterfly Yellow

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily (afternoon shade in hot climates above zone 8)

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water at soil level to avoid fungal issues; reduce watering in cool weather

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Spacing: 9-12 inches apart inches

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Days to maturity: 70-90 days from seed to first flowers

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Planting depth: Surface sow or press lightly into soil; seeds need light to germinate, do not cover

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil, moderately fertile

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

compost peat moss perlite for drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 2-11; grow as annual in most climates, perennial in zones 9-11

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b

Growth Stages

Seedling

10-14 days

Tiny seedlings with cotyledons emerge; develop first true leaves within 1-2 weeks

Maintain 70-75°F soil temperature; provide bright light indoors; keep soil moist but not soggy; thin seedlings to prevent damping off

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Bushy plants develop multiple stems and lance-shaped green leaves; plants grow 12-18 inches tall before flowering begins

Pinch back growing tips once plants reach 6 inches to encourage branching; apply balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks; stake tall varieties if needed

Flowering

6-10 weeks

Large, fully double flowers with ruffled petals emerge in the apical whorl and from leaf axils; petals create orchid-like appearance

Deadhead spent flowers regularly to extend bloom; maintain consistent moisture; feed with low-nitrogen, phosphorus-rich fertilizer to encourage more blooms; pinch side buds for larger central flowers

Peak Bloom

4-6 weeks

Multiple flower spikes in full bloom; plant may reach 18-30 inches tall depending on variety and growing conditions

Cut flowers for arrangements regularly; monitor for fungal diseases in humid conditions; continue deadheading; water early morning only

Decline & End of Season

Variable, until frost or heat stress

Blooms slow as temperatures rise (in hot climates) or as fall/frost approaches; seeds develop if flowers are left on plant

Allow some flowers to fade for seeds if desired; reduce watering; pull plant when frost arrives or performance declines significantly

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

bachelor's button cosmos salvia marigold sweet alyssum dusty miller larkspur stock

Avoid planting near:

fennel dill wormwood

Common Pests

Spray with water to increase humidity; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; avoid excessive heat and dry conditions
Spray water forcefully to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects
Remove infected leaves; improve air circulation; avoid wetting foliage; use fungicides if severe; choose resistant varieties when possible
Ensure adequate spacing for air flow; avoid overhead watering; spray with sulfur or potassium bicarbonate fungicide
and
Hand-pick in early morning; apply copper tape around containers; use beer traps; encourage ground beetles

Uses

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Edible Flowers

Culinary

Snapdragon petals are edible with a slightly bitter, peppery flavor and are used as garnishes in salads and desserts. The large, showy petals of Madame Butterfly are particularly striking for plating and garnishing upscale dishes. [source]

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Cut Flowers & Arrangements

Craft

Madame Butterfly's long stems and dramatic double blooms make it exceptional for cut flower arrangements, wedding bouquets, and floral design. The ruffled, orchid-like petals provide texture and elegance to any arrangement. [source]

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Indoor Decoration

Household

The striking, full double flowers bring visual interest and color to indoor spaces when displayed in vases. Their exotic appearance rivals many premium cut flowers while being easy to grow in the garden. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Snapdragons attract bees, butterflies, and hoverflies that visit for nectar and pollen. While double varieties produce less pollen than single forms, they still provide value to pollinators. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Use

Medicinal

Historically, snapdragon flowers and leaves have been used in traditional medicine for skin conditions and as a mild astringent. Modern herbalists occasionally reference their historical uses, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Cut stems in early morning when flowers are fully open but before peak heat; harvest above a leaf node to encourage new shoots; remove lower leaves below waterline; change water every 2-3 days; snapdragons typically last 7-10 days in the vase

Fun Facts

🌱 The name 'Snapdragon' comes from the flower's resemblance to a dragon's mouth that 'snaps' open and closed when gently squeezed from the sides. The seed pods that develop resemble tiny skulls, earning them the nickname 'snapdragon skull.'
🌱 Madame Butterfly's fully double petals are a mutation that creates sterile, non-viable seeds, making the plant focus energy on extended flowering rather than seed production. This trait is responsible for their prolific, season-long blooms.
🌱 Snapdragons are cool-season flowers that produce their best blooms in spring and fall; in hot climates, they often go dormant in peak summer but resume blooming as temperatures cool in late summer and fall.

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