I've always considered snapdragons to be annuals. But then I realize that often they return the following spring and do just fine. So now, I'm wondering how folks in the PNW care for snaps - do you cut them back in the fall and if so, how hard? I planted a bunch of them this last spring, and find I prefer the small to mid size varieties rather than the rocket series. So, my plan for this fall is to pull out all the tall boys, and somehow encourage the small ones to survive the winter and put on new growth next spring. I note in the database that generic snaps are hardy to zone 7 and I am an 8b. Where they are planted is somewhat exposed (southwest hillside) so I thought I'd mulch with shredded leaves for the winter. Also in this bed are sweet allysum and feverfew, both also pretty hardy for me. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Deb, I have always pulled mine because they can get rust the 2nd year.
Hope someone more experienced has more information for you.

Ah, good to know. I don't know if I've experienced rust, but I do know I usually end up with random snaps the 2nd year, not as prolific as the freshies, but certainly welcome. This is a bed I have been trying to populate with reseeding annuals, largely unsuccessfully. I do get poppies (field and CA) to reseed, but was surprised to lose both borage and calendulas. Maybe I'd have better luck to try to save seed and start things inside.

Or maybe winter sow in milk jugs. There is a good article about that on here. I'll try to find it.

https://garden.org/ideas/view/...

Hi Deb,
I grow lots of snaps every year. There are many cultivars, some are more prone to rust. This year, many might have succumbed to it no matter what. That said, the Liberty series along with the Twinny series did quite well. I'm south of you (Kirkland) & have too much shade. They did not flower as profusely as other years, but no disease whatsoever. The Sonnet series is still blooming, but these low night temps will hasten their demise this week.
The Rocket series and the dwarf "Tahiti" are fairly rust resistant. I usually leave them in & let them throw their seed unless they show signs of rust. One that came back reliably from its roots over many years was "Black Prince". gorgeous darker foliage, with a super dark red flower.
So many choices......

I've never been that interested in snaps until recently when I read they were called "snaps" because they once had a closing mechanism like that of a carnivorous plant, but have had that bred out of them.

Anyone have any idea if that is true, and if so, are there any snap dragons that still snap?

I've always liked them for 'snapping' onto little kids' noses, and for their late summer color. I ended up just cutting mine back to about 6" and leaf mulching them. They are in a mixed bed along a sloping sidewalk with feverfew, poppies, and allysum. Easy care and reliable color. Sometimes a borage or pansy will sneak in.