Snapdragon

(Antirrhinum majus)

August 1996

DESCRIPTION:

Sac-shaped flowers occur on a leafy terminal spike with flowers opening at bottom of the spike first. The "jaws" of the flower can be opened by pinching sides to make the flower (dragon) "snap".

COLORS:

White, Purple, Red, Yellow, Orange

AVAILABILITY:

Year Round

FRAGRANT?

No

USES IN ARRANGEMENT:

Main lines

SELECTION GUIDE:

Look for straight stems, flowers opened in lower third of spike, and buds at top showing color.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

Ethylene sensitive - store away from fruits & vegetables. Water fouls fast and must be changed every day or so. Snapdragons must be kept upright to prevent top from curving (geotropic response).

RECOMMENDED FOR HOME CULTURE?

Yes

HOME CULTURE NOTES:

Pick when half of florets are open. Cut within 4" of base of stem for bushier plants and more blooms. Long blooming period. These hardy annuals are considered perennials in all but coldest regions.

PROPOGATION:

Seed

CARE:

Before arranging, recut stems, remove foliage that will be under water & put in mix of warm water & floral preservative for a few hours or overnight. Place arrangement away from direct sunlight, heat vents, air conditioners and drafts. Water and remove dying blooms and foliage daily. To prolong vase life, every 4 - 5 days, recut stems & clean container thoroughly. Rearrange remaining flowers, adding mixture of warm water & floral preservative to your "new" arrangement. Floral preservative is recommended and is available commercially.

NOTES:

Prized as garden plants. Peak months of production are from June - October. Not available in blue.

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.

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