Botanical Name Genus: Antirrhinum species: majus FAMILY: SCROPHULARIACEAE

Common Names: Snapdragon , Snaps

Stem Length: 30 to 70 cm

Origin: Mediterranean region

Flower Language : Gracious lady

EMW General Description/History:

• Typical spike with several flowers forming Rhododendron Pink Pearl an elongated flowerhead • Snapdragon flowers are shaped like little dragon heads, with upper and lower lips which will open when you gently squeeze the sides of the blossom. • Flowers mature and open from the bottom up General Description: • Snaps are mostly field- grown in cooler areas near Melbourne, Sydney, in Tasmania and in SA and WA • Vase Life: 5 to 6 days • Snapdragons are perennial Pest and diseases

• Rust and other fungal diseases • Snapdragons may also attract aphids Available Colours: Purple, Red, , Yellow , Orange ,Pink Availability

Most of the year but Not available in October What to look for:

• Stems with at least 1/3 of lower flowers open • Straight stems – stem tips curve up if laid flat • Avoid bunches with signs of drop or yellow Use in Floristry

• As a line flower or transitional • In arrangements (but doesn't last very well in floral foam) • Sheafs /bunches • They make outstanding mass flowers if cut short (eg in table arrangements) • Not suitable for wiring work

Flower Care

• Keep cool whenever possible • Split bunches and strip leaves from the lower half of each stem • Wash stem ends thoroughly • Recut at least 2 cm off each stem with sharp secateurs and place in water immediately • Preservative is essential – this will help buds to colour up and open. Replace water every day • these flowers are very sensitive to ethylene, which causes flower drop • Keep them away from , car exhausts and cigarette smoke • Pinch the top bud off each stem, as this helps prevent stem bending Interesting Facts about this Flower

• Snapdragons are heavy drinkers • Renew water solution frequently and beware of bacterial bloom in the vase water • Snapdragons are very geotropic and will vertically bend away from gravity . Always store upright.

Interesting Facts about this Flower

• These were a very popular cut flower in the 1950’s, where they were in the Top 5 grown in the USA. While still solid sellers, snaps are not as sought after now, perhaps it’s time for a revival • Snapdragon's botanical name is Antirrhinum, from the Greek anti (like) and rhin (a nose), referring to the snout like shape of the flower • A popular child’s game is to pick individual snapdragons and squeeze the sides of the flower, making the dragon’s jaws snap open and shut

References •http://www.abc.net.au/gardening •http://www.marketfresh.com.au •www.wholeblossoms.com