The Essential Guide To The Snapdragon
Botanical Name: Antirrhinum majus
Common Name: Snapdragon
General Knowledge: The Snapdragon, characterised by its distinctive dragon-shaped flowers, originates from the Mediterranean region. In Australian gardens, snapdragons are a popular choice for borders and floral displays due to their vibrant colours and tall spikes that add height and structure. A fun fact about snapdragons is that when their flowers are gently squeezed from the sides, they open like a dragon's mouth, which is how they got their whimsical name.
Colour Range: Extensive, including single and bicolour of white, cream, yellow, gold, apricot, peach, orange, dark red, pinks, crimson, burgundy, violet, purple/white.
Australian Seasonal Availability: Naturally available in winter to spring, but due to new hybrids and greenhouse products, almost year-round availability.
Australian Wedding and Event Season Availability: Popular throughout the year, especially in spring and summer weddings due to their vibrant colours and height.
Commercially Grown in Australia: Yes, widely available.
Imported into Australia: Not commonly imported as they are locally grown.
Buying Tips: Choose strong, straight stems with robust flower spikes and at least one-third of the flowers open. Check for flower drop by shaking the bunches; this indicates ethylene damage. Ensure anti-ethylene treatment has been applied to prevent flower drop.
Design Tips and Advice: Snapdragons are excellent line flowers, adding height and structure to arrangements. They work well in both small and large arrangements and are a favourite for vertical designs. Their wide range of colours makes them versatile for any palette.
Flower Maturity: Choose stems with at least one-third of the flowers open and vibrant.
Expected Vase Life: 7–10 days, with proper care.
Typical Stem Length: Up to 120 cm, providing a dramatic height in arrangements.
Typical Bunch Size: Variable.
Floral Preservatives: Use floral preservatives in water to extend vase life.
Ethylene Sensitivity: High sensitivity. Ensure anti-ethylene treatment has been applied and keep away from fruits and other ethylene producers.
Temperature Requirements: Keep in cool storage at 2–4 °C.
Avoiding Potential Problems: Keep stems upright to prevent bending, which is irreversible. Avoid removing too many leaves as this may stimulate premature flower drop. Frequent recutting of stems is required and avoid water stagnation.
Cooling and Cool Rooms: Maintain a consistent cool temperature between 2–4 °C.
Hydration and Vase Solutions: Use clean water with flower food and anti-ethylene treatment. Recut stems frequently and keep them hydrated.
Care of Ethylene Sensitive Products: Given their high ethylene sensitivity, ensure that Snapdragons are kept away from fruits and other ethylene-producing products, and ensure that anti-ethylene treatment has been applied.