Troubleshooting
Madame Butterfly snapdragon problems — and how to fix them
Madame Butterfly snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus 'Madame Butterfly') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Botrytis on double blooms
The dense double petals trap moisture, making 'Madame Butterfly' more prone to grey mould than single cultivars. Deadhead regularly, avoid wetting flowers, and ensure good air circulation.
Antirrhinum rust
Orange pustules on leaf undersides, particularly in warm humid spells. Remove infected foliage, improve spacing, and apply a copper-based fungicide preventatively.
Poor germination from saved seed
As an F1 hybrid, Madame Butterfly does not come true from self-saved seed and offspring are highly variable. Purchase fresh seed each year from a reputable source.
Prevent madame butterfly snapdragon problems before they start
Most madame butterfly snapdragon issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Madame Butterfly snapdragon problems — FAQ
Why is my madame butterfly snapdragon botrytis on double blooms?
The dense double petals trap moisture, making 'Madame Butterfly' more prone to grey mould than single cultivars. Deadhead regularly, avoid wetting flowers, and ensure good air circulation.
Why is my madame butterfly snapdragon antirrhinum rust?
Orange pustules on leaf undersides, particularly in warm humid spells. Remove infected foliage, improve spacing, and apply a copper-based fungicide preventatively.
Why is my madame butterfly snapdragon poor germination from saved seed?
As an F1 hybrid, Madame Butterfly does not come true from self-saved seed and offspring are highly variable. Purchase fresh seed each year from a reputable source.