Table of Contents
Snapdragons are beautiful plants that can be found in gardens all over the world. They are known for their snap, hence the name snapdragon. These plants come in various colours and can be used to add colour to any garden. Snapdragon flowers can also be used in arrangements and bouquets.
This article will discuss how to grow snapdragon plants in your garden. So, if you are interested in learning how to grow snapdragon, read on!
History
It is an old flower that has been around for centuries. It was once used to make tea and was thought to have medicinal properties. Today, the snapdragon is mainly grown as a garden flower and comes in many different colours.
It was first known as the “dragon flower” because the flowers look like they have a dragon’s head. The Latin name for snapdragon is “antirrhinum”. It is also known as “butter and eggs” and “calf’s snout”.
Snapdragon Flower Mean
The flower’s meaning is typically associated with love and passion. This is because it looks like dragon heads, and in many cultures, dragons are seen as symbols of power and strength. In addition, they are often given as gifts to loved ones or used in bouquets for special occasions.
Symbolism and Meanings
These flowers are believed to have many meanings, depending on the colour of the flower. Some say they represent love, affection, and desire, while others believe they embody strength, courage, and joy. They can also be seen as a symbol of youth and playfulness, which is fitting given their whimsical appearance.
Flower Colour Meaning
There are a few meanings for each of the colourful flowers:
White
When they are white, it means they are in the process of blooming. The flowers will eventually turn a deep red or purple, but if you want to see them in full bloom, you’ll need to keep an eye on them.
Yellow
A flower with yellow means that the plant is a male. Male flowers will not produce any seeds, so if you want to grow them from the source, you’ll need to choose a female plant. You can tell if it is male or female by looking at the flower: males have a single yellow flower, while females have two flowers, one on the other.
Orange
The meaning of an orange flower can vary depending on the colour. Orange blossom is often seen as a symbol of passion and energy. This is also associated with enthusiasm, desire, and determination.
Red
Red represents love and admiration. They are also a popular flower for sending messages of congratulations.
Pink
The pink flowers are associated with happiness, joy and good luck. It is often given as a gift to wish someone well.
Lavender
The colour lavender is associated with tranquillity, peace and calm. It is often used as a colour of relaxation and serenity. Lavender can also be used to represent maturity, wisdom and dignity.
Meaningful Botanical Characteristics
This flower is an annual plant, which means it will live for only one growing season. The plant belongs to the Plantaginaceae family, and its botanical name is Antirrhinum majus. The flowers are available in many colours, including white, pink, yellow, purple, and red. The plant grows to 12-36 inches and prefers total sun exposure and well-drained soil.
The plant is characterized by its snap-like flowers. The upper part of the flower looks like a dragon’s head, while the lower part looks like a dragon’s tail. The dragon’s mouth opens and closes when the flower is squeezed.
Cultural Significance
They have been cultivated since ancient times and were once known as the “dragon flower.” The flower got its name because the flowers resemble the face of a dragon with its mouth open.
In medieval times, they were believed to have magical powers and were often used in spells and potions. Today, they are still considered to be a symbol of magic and are often used in floral arrangements for special occasions.
Flower Tattoo Symbolism
It is a flower with a lot of symbolism behind it. People choose to get tattoos for a variety of reasons. Some call it their mother, while others might get it to represent their fighting spirit. Overall, the tattoo is a symbol of strength and resilience.
The snapdragon is also a symbol of motherhood, making it a popular choice for mothers who want a tattoo that represents their children. The flower is beautiful, and its meaning makes it an even more popular choice for a tattoo.
Special Occasions for Snapdragon Flowers
The flowers are known for their beauty and grace. They come in various colours, making them popular for bouquets and floral arrangements. While they can be enjoyed year-round, they are often associated with springtime. Here are a few special occasions when these flowers make the perfect addition:
- Weddings: The flowers are popular at weddings, thanks to their romantic look. They can be used in bouquets, centrepieces, and other decorations.
- Mother’s Day: Show your mom how much you appreciate her with a filled bouquet.
- Get Well Soon: Send a friend or loved one a bouquet to help them recover from an illness.
- New Baby: Congratulate the parents of a new baby with the arrangement.
- Anniversaries: Flowers are a popular gift for anniversaries. They symbolize love and happiness, making them the perfect way to celebrate a special relationship.
Use
The flowers are often used in dried flower arrangements. They also make excellent additions to wedding bouquets and boutonnieres.
To dry, cut the stems when the flowers are in full bloom and hang them upside down in a dark, dry place. Alternatively, you can lay the branches on a flat surface and allow them to air dry. Once they are dried, they will retain their colour and shape for several months.
If you want to use them in fresh arrangements, cut the stems when the flowers start to open. It will last up to two weeks in a vase of fresh water.
How to Grow
This flower is a snap to grow in your garden or a container on your porch or patio. They do best in full sun but will also tolerate some light shade. Snapdragon prefers well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter. Amend your soil with compost before planting seeds. Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and water the well.
Keep the soil moist until the plants are established. Fertilize the plants once a month with a balanced fertilizer diluted to one-half the recommended strength. Deadhead (remove) spent blooms to encourage continued flowering. If you’re growing from transplants, pinch off the tips of young plants to create more branching and fuller plants.
Ideas for Planting
You can plant by using the seed packet. The plant will need full sun to partial shade and well-drained moist soil. You can also use a garden hose to water them.
Make sure to fertilize every two weeks. You can also deadhead by removing the spent flowers. You will need to cut the stem about an inch above the leaf node to do this. You can also pinch to encourage bushier growth.
Interesting Facts
- The flowers can last up to two months.
- The flower gets its name from the snap of its petals, which resemble a dragon’s mouth.
- It is a genus of plants in the family Scrophulariaceae.
- There are about 42 species of this plant.
- The flowers come in various colours, including white, yellow, pink, red, purple, and orange.
- Some varieties have two-toned flowers.
- They are native to Europe, Asia, and Africa.
- It is a popular garden plant.
- It is also known as dragon flowers, toadflax, and snapdragon vine.
We might not know that you might build a flower business by planting snapdragons in your backyard. A little bit of effort and patience can go a long way!
Frequently Asked Questions about the Snapdragon
Does snapdragons like sun or shade?
Sun. They like a lot of suns. Snapdragon plants need plenty of sunlight to grow and bloom well. Place them in a spot where they will get at least six hours of direct sun each day. If you live in a hot climate, providing some afternoon shade may help keep the flowers looking their best.
What is snapdragon flower good for?
The flower (Antirrhinum majus) has a long history of use in traditional medicine and is still used today to treat a variety of ailments. Some of the more common uses include treating coughs, colds, and other respiratory problems; as a circulatory stimulant; and as an anti-inflammatory agent. The flowers can be made into a tea, tincture, or infusion and used internally or externally. Internally, the snapdragon flower is thought to help improve circulation and fight inflammation. It can also be helpful for treating respiratory problems such as bronchitis, asthma, and whooping cough. Externally, the flowers can be used to soothe skin irritations such as sunburns,
What is special about snapdragons?
There are many reasons why they are special. For one, they are perennial plants, which means they come back year after year. Additionally, their flowers can be different colours on the same plant, and even change colour as they age. Lastly, the flowers actually “snap” open when you touch them, hence the name!
How long will snapdragons last?
Depending on how you care for them, snapdragons can last anywhere from a week to a month. To make them last as long as possible, make sure to trim the stems regularly and change the water in the vase often. Also, be sure to place them in a bright spot where they’ll get plenty of sunlight.
Can you eat snapdragon flowers?
Yes, you can eat flowers. Flowers are a source of vitamin C, containing about twice as much as citrus fruits. They also provide some B vitamins and potassium. The flowers have a slightly sweet flavour and can be eaten fresh or added to salads.
Are snapdragons poisonous to children?
They are not poisonous to children. However, they can cause a skin reaction if the sap from the stem of the flower comes into contact with the skin. The sap contains a chemical called furanocoumarin, which can cause a rash or blisters if it is absorbed through the skin.
How do you make snapdragons stand up?
To make them stand up, you need to insert a small piece of wire into the stem of the flower. The wire will help to support the weight of the flower and keep it upright. You can either use a piece of wire that is already in your possession, or you can purchase a small metal stake that is specifically designed for this purpose.
Once you have inserted the wire into the stem, be sure to gently push it in so that it is secure. You may also want to use a dab of hot glue to hold it in place. Then, simply arrange your flowers as desired and enjoy your beautiful display!
How fast do snapdragons grow?
They can grow 3 or 4 inches per week, but this varies depending on the type of snapdragon and the climate. Some varieties are bushier and slower growers, while others are taller and more prolific.
How long can snapdragons live?
Snapdragons can live for many years, depending on the care they receive. If they are constantly watered and have plenty of sunlight, they can live for up to five years. However, if they are not watered enough or do not get enough sunlight, they will die within a year.
How tall do snapdragon flowers get?
Snapdragon flowers can get quite tall–up to about 2 feet. They tend to grow in a bushy way, so even if they’re not all the way up to 2 feet, they’ll still have a lot of height.
The size of the flower will also depend on the variety of snapdragon. Some have smaller petals than others, and some have longer petals. But in general, they’ll be pretty large flowers.
