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The Snapdragon Plant
Snapdragon Plant: Traditions and Beliefs
A few centuries ago, people attributed certain magical properties to the snapdragon. For example, in Germany it was believed that if one placed or hung a bouquet of these flowers near a newborn baby, he would not fear evil spirits. And in Russia, it was thought that the snapdragon could drive away drowsiness and increase the body’s energy. The snapdragon is a very beautiful flower, but be warned: if someone gives you a snapdragon bouquet, he may be preparing to make you an unexpected proposal.
Facts about the Snapdragon Plant
Antirrhinum is this flower’s second and official name. It derives from two Greek words: “anti” - similar, and “rhinos” - nose, which, again, refer to the flower’s unusual shape. The snapdragon comes from the Mediterranean area. In fact, nature invented the shape for this flower so that bumblebees, honeybees, and other insects flying from one flower to another would promote the pollination it needs to survive.
The snapdragon plant is an easy-to-grow annual. Snapdragons bloom in almost all available flower colors, which makes them ideal for beds and borders. Their erect spikes are covered with buds, opening gradually from the bottom to the top. The height of snapdragon plants varies. Small varieties (from 6 to 9 inches) excel as flower bed or container plants. The tall varieties (3 or 4 feet) are used as cut flowers or for the back of the border. Snapdragons love full sun, regular water and rich, well-drained soil. The seeds are planted outdoors after the danger of frost is past, or indoors 6-8 weeks earlier. They endure cool weather and bloom all spring through early summer, and many of them rebloom when cooler fall temperatures arrive. Deadheading or cutting the plant back to about six inches after the flowers have died off, and adding fertilizer will promote new growth and a second bloom. Commonly, snapdragon plants are not bothered by insects or diseases. Snapdragon rust can be a problem but thinning and good aeration helps prevent it.
