Snapdragon (Antirrhinum) Flower Meaning & Symbolism (2024)

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What does the Antirrhinum symbolize? ›

Meaning & Symbolism of Snapdragon

Legend has it that concealing a snapdragon makes a person appear fascinating and cordial, and in the language of flowers, snapdragons are said to represent both deception (perhaps tied to the notion of concealment) and graciousness.

The Meaning of Snapdragons

If your second question has anything to do with what these blooms symbolize, the snapdragon has two primary meanings. Grace and, due to its growth in rocky areas, strength.

When it comes to symbolism, the snapdragon flower is a tale of two sides. On one side, they're said to symbolise strength and grace reflected in their tall, strong stems, bountiful dragon-faced blooms and half-hardiness to colder temperatures. On the other, many believe they represent deception and deviousness.

In folklore, snapdragons were thought to offer protection from witchcraft and aging. This may have come from the shape of the plants' dry seed pod, which bears an eerie resemblance to a miniature skull. Also according to folklore, carrying a hidden snapdragon would make the bearer appear charming and gracious.

Snapdragons, known for their extended blooming period, offer a continuous splash of color that can last from spring through fall. This enduring display is not only a feast for the eyes but also a boon for gardeners looking to maintain vibrant landscapes with minimal changeover.

While Antirrhinum majus is the plant that is usually meant by the term of "snapdragon" if used on its own, many other species in the genus, and in the family Scrophulariaceae more widely, have common names that include the word "snapdragon". For example, Antirrhinum molle is known as "dwarf snapdragon" in the UK.

Meanings. Like most flowers, each snapdragon color represents a different meaning, but overall, snapdragons symbolize grace and strength. Red symbolizes passion, love, and the giving of positive energy, while yellow represents smiles, happiness, and overall good luck.

Snapdragons are mostly short-lived perennial plants, though some species are annuals. The simple leaves are usually lance-shaped. The flowers are tubular, bilaterally symmetrical, and usually large with a closed liplike mouth that excludes most insects but can be forced open by strong bees, the main pollinators.

These classic favorites attract hummingbirds, bees and butterflies and make excellent cutting flowers. In most places, snapdragons are grown as cool-season annuals. They're biennials in USDA Zones 8 and 9. If you're lucky, they'll self-sow and you'll get volunteers the following year.

This plant is commonly known as. dragon flowers, snapdragons and dog flower because. of the flowers' fancied resemblance to the face of a. dragon that opens and closes its mouth when laterally.

What is the real name of the snapdragon flower? ›

Antirrhinum majus, the common snapdragon (often - especially in horticulture - simply "snapdragon"), is a species of flowering plant belonging to the genus Antirrhinum. The plant was placed in the family Plantaginaceae following a revision of its prior classical family, Scrophulariaceae.

This flower originated in the Mediterranean area but now thrives in the UK when planted in well-fertilized soil in full sun. The English name derives from the flower's imagined appearance as a dragon's face. Snapdragons come in a wide variety of bright colors and a range of heights, from dwarf to medium and tall.

This plant is commonly known as. dragon flowers, snapdragons and dog flower because. of the flowers' fancied resemblance to the face of a. dragon that opens and closes its mouth when laterally.

Black roses symbolize death and tragedy.

However, black roses are not the best choice for sympathy gifts, as they are closely connected to death's more macabre and tragic aspects. In Victorian-era floriography, black roses symbolize danger, death, farewell and hatred.

Floral Library

In arrangements, snapdragons last up to 8 days. Interesting Facts: Called a “calve's snout” for the flower's snout-like shape, the botanical name Antirrhinum is Greek for “like” and “nose.” The specific epithet name majus means large.

The meaning behind the Flower of Life symbol is that it is believed to represent a cycle of creation. It explains how all life is born from a single source represented by a circle in the middle of the mold.