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Snapdragons Meaning
Snapdragons Meaning. Snapdragons range in size and variety and are often used in bouquets and gardens to add height and a pop of color. They are also a flower with a long history and rich symbolism. Their exact origin may be unknown but there are legends surrounding the meaning of the flower.
Snapdragons range in size and variety and are often used in bouquets and gardens to add height and a pop of color. They are also a flower with a long history and rich symbolism. Their exact origin may be unknown but there are legends surrounding the meaning of the flower.
Identification
Snapdragons are long-stemmed annuals with thin flowering heads. The bloom is made up of smaller flowers that grow on either side of the stem and can be any range of color, from reds, yellows and pinks to purples. There are smaller and larger varieties of the flower that range from one to five feet in height. Snapdragons bloom in summer and prefer warm weather.
Meaning
The snapdragon's botanical name, antirrhinum, comes from the Greek and means "nose-like," referring to the flower's snout-like shape. Its common name, snapdragon, originated from the snap the flower makes if the sides of each bloom are squeezed together. According to 1800flowers.com, the "dragon" part of the word refers to the "scary" face individual buds have when they are pinched to open the "dragon's jaws."
Symbolism
While their actual origin is unknown, it's believed that snapdragons were originally wildflowers in Spain and Italy. Legend has it that wearing a snapdragon concealed in one's clothes made a person appear fascinating and cordial. Snapdragons were also said to protect people from deceit or curses. Currently, the flowers have come to symbolize graciousness and strength. In addition to its rich symbolism, some varieties of the flower can even be used in cooking. According to specialityproduce.com, the colorful flower can be used in salads, quiches and as decorations for cakes.
History
According to coesflowers.com, in Britain children made pets out of snapdragons. Those who were too shy to catch frogs and other small animals instead played with the the flowers. Children would squeeze the sides to open the "dragon's mouth" and reveal a tongue-like structure in the center of the bloom. The "snapping" sound that it created after being squeezed was also a source of entertainment.
Considerations
Snapdragons have a delicate root system and therefore require well-drained soil. Since the flowers prefer full sun, they require frequent watering. As the flowers grow and become larger, some will require a support structure behind them to prevent any future weakness. Snapdragons should be planted at least six inches apart to give them space to grow, with larger varieties being placed as much as one foot apart.
