Snapdragons are loved for their bright colours and playful, dragon-shaped blooms, but they can be tricky to grow. Some types struggle in hot weather, while others may need more care than you're ready for. If you like the look of snapdragons but want something easier to manage, you're not the only one.
Just like how there are orchids with look-alikes, there are also flowers that resemble snapdragons in shape and style. These alternatives give you similar beauty without the added stress. And when you consider the wide range of types of snapdragon available, it’s helpful to know what other options exist.
This article will introduce you to some of the best flowers that look like snapdragons. You'll learn how each one grows, what makes it stand out, and how it can fit into your home garden or floral arrangement.
1. Angelonia
Angelonia shares a strong resemblance to snapdragons, especially with its tall flower spikes and lip-shaped petals that grow upright. Often nicknamed the “summer snapdragon,” it holds up well in warm and humid conditions when other blooms may wilt.
It comes in soft hues like purple, pink, white, and blue, and blooms continuously from mid-summer to fall. Angelonia is a low-fuss choice for containers, borders, or garden beds and suits beginners just as well as seasoned gardeners.
2. Delphinium
Delphinium is a flower that looks like snapdragon because of its towering stalks packed with vibrant blossoms. While the flower shape is slightly different, the vertical spike and dense floral clusters give off a similar appeal.
You’ll find them in striking shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. Delphiniums do best in cooler climates and are often used to create height and structure in both gardens and floral arrangements.
3. Foxglove
Foxglove stands out with tall stems covered in bell-shaped flowers that resemble snapdragons in their upright, stacked form. The blooms usually open from the bottom upward and often feature spots inside the petals.
Available in colours like pink, purple, white, and yellow, foxgloves are eye-catching and loved by pollinators. Just keep in mind that this plant is toxic, so it’s best handled with care, especially around kids and pets.
4. Lupine
Lupine produces colourful flower spikes that mimic the overall look of snapdragons, especially in how the blooms cluster upward on tall stems. Though the flowers are more pea-like, the shape and growth habit are visually similar.
These perennials bloom from spring to summer in shades of red, blue, pink, yellow, and white. Lupines attract pollinators and thrive in cooler weather, making them a cheerful and practical addition to any flower bed.
5. Stock (Matthiola)
Stock features clusters of fragrant blooms on upright stems, similar to snapdragons' vertical structure. Its dense, colourful flowers make it a great alternative when you want that same spiky, full appearance.
These blooms come in shades of pink, purple, white, and red, often adding fragrance and charm to garden beds and bouquets.
6. Penstemon
Penstemon, often called “beardtongue,” produces tubular flowers that mimic the lip-like petals of snapdragons. They grow in tall, slender spikes, giving a very similar overall silhouette.
These flowers bloom in red, pink, purple, and blue, and they are excellent for attracting hummingbirds and bees.
7. Salvia
Salvia has vertical flower spikes that resemble snapdragons in shape and stature. The small, tubular blossoms line the stems closely, creating the same kind of tall, colourful display.
Available in blue, purple, pink, red, and white, salvias thrive in sunny gardens and are drought-tolerant, making them a hardy option.
8. Veronica (Speedwell)
Veronica flowers form tall, narrow spikes densely packed with small blooms, giving them a similar look to snapdragons from a distance.
These perennials bloom in shades of blue, pink, and white and are perfect for borders or cottage gardens, providing long-lasting colour.
9. Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana)
The obedient plant grows tall stems topped with tubular blossoms that closely resemble snapdragon petals. The flowers grow upright and layered, mimicking the same stacked appearance.
It blooms in pink, purple, or white and thrives in sunny spots with moist soil.
10. Toadflax (Linaria)
Toadflax looks like a miniature version of snapdragons, with small, delicate flowers forming on slender spikes. The blossoms have the same distinctive lip shape.
They come in cheerful colours like purple, yellow, and pink, often self-seeding and creating a naturalised look in gardens.
11. Hyacinth Bean (Lablab purpureus)
This climbing plant features spiky clusters of pea-like flowers that visually resemble snapdragon spikes. The way the blossoms grow upward gives a similar effect.
They are usually purple or pink and are often paired with ornamental pods for extra visual interest.
12. Russelia (Firecracker Plant)
Russelia produces cascading, tubular flowers that resemble elongated snapdragon blooms. While it has a trailing habit instead of upright spikes, the flower shape is strikingly similar.
It blooms prolifically in red or coral tones and is loved by hummingbirds.
13. Spiked Speedwell (Veronica spicata)
This variety of Veronica produces particularly dense, upright spikes that closely mimic the structure of snapdragons.
Commonly available in blue, purple, and pink shades, it adds vertical interest to gardens much like snapdragons do.
14. Baptisia (False Indigo)
Baptisia produces tall spires of pea-like flowers that grow upward in a similar way to snapdragons, creating a comparable silhouette in garden beds.
Colours range from blue and purple to yellow and white, and the plant is hardy and long-lasting once established.
15. Mullein (Verbascum)
Mullein plants send up towering stalks lined with open-faced blossoms that resemble a looser version of snapdragon flower spikes.
They are found in shades of yellow, pink, purple, and white and can add height and a wildflower feel to garden spaces.
Conclusion About Snapdragon Flowers Look-Alike
Snapdragon flowers are known for their upright spikes and colourful, lip-shaped blooms. If you’re searching for flowers with a similar look, Angelonia, Delphinium, Foxglove, Lupine, and more offer great alternatives. Each one brings unique beauty and works well in both gardens and floral displays.
Exploring a flower that looks like a snapdragon gives you more variety in colour, bloom season, and growing needs. These look-alikes also attract pollinators and add height, texture, and charm to your arrangements. Whether you’re planting or decorating, they offer flexibility without compromising on style.
Want to enjoy stunning blooms without planting a thing? Browse Windflower Florist’s Creative Bundles and enjoy 10% off your first order. With free and on-time flower delivery in Singapore, you can bring floral joy straight to your door.
Contact us today for all your floral needs!
Frequently Asked Questions About Snapdragon Flowers Look-Alike
What Flower Looks Most Like A Snapdragon?
Angelonia looks most like a snapdragon due to its upright spikes and two-lipped blooms that resemble snapdragon flowers.
Are There Summer Flowers That Look Like Snapdragons?
Yes, Angelonia is often called the summer snapdragon because it blooms well in hot and humid weather.
Which Snapdragon Look-Alikes Are Safe For Pets?
Angelonia and delphinium are safer options, but always check each plant’s toxicity before bringing them near pets.
Can I Use Snapdragon Alternatives In Flower Arrangements?
Yes, delphinium, lupine, and foxglove are commonly used in bouquets and cut flower displays.
Do Snapdragon Look-Alikes Attract Pollinators?
Many snapdragon alternatives like foxglove and lupine, attract bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds.
