Although it has an unattractive name, the snapdragon flower is undeniably beautiful and captivating. Let’s learn more about this uniquely named flower.
1 What is a Snapdragon Flower?
Origin and Meaning of Snapdragon Flowers
Snapdragon flowers, or Antirrhinum majus in Latin, are also known as dragon mouth, lion’s mouth, goat’s lip, and golden-mouth in English. It belongs to the family Scrophulariaceae.
Snapdragon Flowers in English
The Greeks named this flower Antirrhinum, meaning “nose-like”. It also has a foreign name, Kynokephelon, which means “wolf’s head.”
Over 40 varieties of snapdragon flowers exist worldwide
Today, there are over 40 varieties of snapdragon flowers worldwide, each with unique colors and forms. In Vietnam, snapdragons are commonly grown in Da Lat and the northern mountainous regions.
Symbolic Meaning of Snapdragon Flowers
Cultural Significance
Snapdragon flowers, despite their odd name, hold a very special meaning. In ancient Greek and Medieval European cultures, they were associated with spirituality, mystery, and witchcraft.
The meaning of snapdragon flowers varies across cultures
During the Roman era, snapdragons symbolized gossip and deceit in life.
However, during Queen Victoria’s reign, snapdragons came to represent deep love between couples, often exchanged as gifts between lovers.
Additionally, snapdragons can symbolize strength, resilience, and a forward-looking attitude, even in the face of life’s challenges and hardships.
Color Meanings
Beyond their cultural significance, snapdragon flowers also hold hidden meanings within their colors.
The colors of snapdragon flowers hold different meanings.
Purple snapdragons symbolize spirituality and the mysterious, relating to the magical, mystical, and enchanting.
Red snapdragons stand for passion, love, and blessings for loved ones.
Yellow snapdragons signify good luck, happiness, and strong faith.
White snapdragons represent purity, innocence, appreciation, and good fortune.
Pink snapdragons symbolize couple love, fidelity, and happiness.
Characteristics and Classification of Snapdragon Flowers
Snapdragon flowers are herbaceous plants with an average height of 80 to 100 cm. They have many soft branches and dark green, oval-shaped leaves that grow directly from the stem. The flower’s stamen is divided into two distinct lips, narrowing on the sides and widening at the bottom like a goat’s lip.
Snapdragon flowers typically grow to a height of 80 to 100 cm.
These flowers bloom year-round and produce clusters of stunning blooms. Additionally, snapdragons bear small, unevenly shaped fruits containing seeds.
2 Benefits of Snapdragon Flowers
Beyond their symbolic significance, snapdragon flowers offer practical benefits, such as enhancing landscapes, purifying the air, and bringing peace, luck, and beauty to living spaces. They are often given as gifts for grand openings, housewarmings, and baby showers.
Snapdragon flowers enhance landscapes and possess medicinal properties.
Moreover, snapdragon flowers are medicinal, effective in treating edema, reducing pain, and relieving whole-body inflammation and muscle soreness. The seeds can also be used to make edible oil.
3 How to Grow and Care for Snapdragon Flowers
Growing Snapdragon Flowers at Home
Snapdragon flowers can be grown from seeds.
Snapdragon flowers can be easily grown from seeds. Soak the seeds in warm water for 30 minutes, then plant them in a pot with loose, porous soil, covering them with a thin layer of earth. Mist the seeds to maintain moisture, and they will sprout within a few weeks.
Caring for Snapdragon Flowers
Snapdragon flowers are easy to grow and care for.
Snapdragon flowers are low-maintenance and easy to care for. Maintain moisture by watering the plant 2-3 times a week, avoiding the flowers and branches.
Use well-drained, loose, and porous soil for optimal growth.
For abundant and vibrant blooms, fertilize with organic or worm castings 10 days after planting, followed by NPK fertilizer every 10 days, mixed with water at a ratio of 1:4, adjusted according to the pot size.
Snapdragon flowers are prone to pests and diseases, so use pesticides regularly and remove old, yellowing leaves to keep the roots healthy and reduce the risk of fungal infections.
Notes on Growing and Caring for Snapdragon Flowers
– Snapdragon flowers thrive in soil with a pH of 6.2 to 7.0, which is rich in nutrients and drains well.
– They are moisture-loving plants and require adequate watering, but be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Place the plant in a cool, well-ventilated area.
– When the plant starts to bloom, use a general-purpose fertilizer to promote healthy growth and beautiful flowers.
4 5 Beautiful Images of Snapdragon Flowers
Snapdragon flowers blooming abundantly
Snapdragon flowers hold positive meanings in life.
Snapdragon flowers blooming in clusters
Yellow snapdragon flowers symbolize good luck and happiness.
Pink snapdragon flowers represent couple love and happiness.
These are some fascinating facts about snapdragon flowers, including their meanings, cultivation, and care. Hopefully, you now know more about this unique flower.
