Flower Encyclopedia
Snapdragon
Antirrhinum majus
Tall spires of stacked blooms that bring height and old-garden charm to any arrangement.
Written by the Burton Floral Design team · Published July 24, 2026
At A Glance
Typical vase life
5–8 days
Availability
Most of the year
Peak months
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Cost
Budget-friendly
Fragrance
Light
Pollen
Low
Care
Easy
Out of water
2–4 hours
Heat tolerance
Moderate
Cold tolerance
High
Outdoor events
Good
Around pets
Lower risk
Pets in the house? Lower risk.
Snapdragons are widely regarded as a lower-risk flower to have around cats and dogs. No flower should be treated as edible, though — if a pet chews any arrangement, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control service.
What It Means
Snapdragons have long stood for grace and strength, along with a playful note of intrigue tied to the dragon-mouth blooms that snap open when pinched. In older flower language they were also linked to protection, which is why they turn up in gardens meant to ward off trouble.
Colors it comes in
white · cream · yellow · peach · pink · coral · red · burgundy · purple · bronze
Coordinates beautifully with
soft greens · white · coral · deep purple
Season & Sourcing
Snapdragons are available across most of the year from field and greenhouse growers, with the strongest, tallest stems in spring and fall. Midsummer heat can shorten stems and thin supply in some regions.
Vase life, honestly
Snapdragons open from the bottom of the spike upward, so lower florets fade while the tips are still coming on. Removing spent lower blooms keeps the stem looking fresh through its run.
Fragrance
Snapdragons carry a faint, slightly musky scent that most people barely notice indoors.
Keeping It Alive
- 1Recut stems at an angle and place them in clean water with flower food.
- 2Keep stems upright — snapdragons bend toward light and gravity if laid down, then curve permanently.
- 3Strip lower foliage that would sit below the waterline.
- 4Pinch off faded florets at the bottom of the spike as they go.
- 5Refresh the water every two days and keep the vase out of direct sun.
What it costs: Snapdragons are an affordable line flower most of the year. Extra-tall, greenhouse-grown grades step up toward the moderate range.
Where It Shines
At weddings
Snapdragons add vertical line and movement to centerpieces, arch work, and larger bouquets, and their range of soft and saturated colors makes them easy to key to a palette. The tall spikes give arrangements a loose, gathered-from-the-garden feel.
In sympathy work
Their height makes snapdragons a natural in standing sprays and larger sympathy arrangements, where white and pastel spikes add a gentle, uplifting line.
Every day
A budget-friendly way to add drama to a hand-tied bunch or a tall vase at home. A few spikes turn a simple grocery bouquet into something with real presence.
Can't Get It? Try
A Little History
Antirrhinum majus is native to the Mediterranean region and has been grown ornamentally in European gardens for centuries. The common name comes from the flower's resemblance to a dragon's snout, which opens its 'mouth' when the sides are gently squeezed.
Questions People Ask
Why are my snapdragons curving at the top?
Snapdragon tips bend upward against gravity and toward light. Storing or arranging them upright keeps the spikes straight; once they curve, they hold that shape, so keep them vertical from the start.
How long do snapdragons last as cut flowers?
Five to eight days is typical. Removing the lowest florets as they fade and refreshing the water keeps the upper spike looking fresh longer.
When are snapdragons at their best?
Spring and fall bring the tallest, strongest stems. Midsummer heat can shorten them and reduce supply in some growing regions.
Are snapdragons a concern around pets?
Snapdragons are generally considered lower-risk around cats and dogs, but no flower is meant to be eaten. If a pet chews an arrangement, call your veterinarian or an animal poison-control service.
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