Flower Library
Snapdragons
Antirrhinum majus · Plantaginaceae (Wegerichgewächse)
With their densely packed flower spikes, snapdragons bring height, line and a warm summery mood to any bouquet. The individual blooms open from the bottom upwards, so a cut stem keeps producing fresh flowers day after day. We select the stems ourselves directly at the Veiling Rhein-Maas, looking for firm, straight spikes that have only just begun to open at the tip, because that is what ultimately determines how long they last in the vase.
- Season
- May – June – July – August – September – October
- Vase life
- 6–10 days
- Latin name
- Antirrhinum majus
- Colors
- White, Cream, Yellow, Apricot, Pink, Magenta, Red, Burgundy, Violet, Bicolour
In the trade you almost always meet the large snapdragon in hybrid form, sorted into three groups by height: the tall cut-flower varieties at 60 to 100 cm, mid-height types from 40 to 60 cm, and low bedding forms under 40 cm. For the vase the tall varieties matter most, their long straight spikes drawing a strong vertical line.
In floristry the snapdragon is a classic line and height flower. It structures loose summer bouquets, gives Biedermeier-style arrangements their build-up, and looks surprisingly modern in monochrome bunches. The velvety lipped flower with its characteristic mouth shape adds a tactile note that few other cut flowers can match.
One quality trait worth knowing: snapdragons are strongly geotropic. If the stems lie flat, the tips bend upwards within hours. That is why we transport and store them consistently upright. Fresh A1 stock shows firm lower flowers, a closed tip and crisp, deep-green foliage along the stem.
Snapdragons combine beautifully with round-headed partners that balance their linear growth: roses, dahlias or zinnias as a focal point, with airy gypsophila or grasses around them. In pastel shades they create a romantic cottage-garden look; in red, burgundy and violet a dramatic, almost velvety statement. Even as a solo bunch in a tall vase they hold their own.
Care
- 01Cut the stems at an angle and place them immediately in clean, cool water, ideally with cut-flower food.
- 02Always store and transport them upright, as the tips quickly bend upwards when laid flat (geotropism).
- 03Remove any leaves that would sit below the waterline to keep the water clear and prevent rot.
- 04Change the water every two days and recut the stems each time.
- 05Pinch off spent lower florets to redirect energy into the upper buds and keep the spike fresh.
- 06Keep them cool and out of direct sun, and away from ripening fruit, since snapdragons are sensitive to ethylene.
Frequently asked
- How long do snapdragons last in a vase?
- With fresh stems and good care, snapdragons usually last six to ten days. The keys are a fresh cut, regular water changes and a cool spot. Because we buy A1 quality directly at the Veiling Rhein-Maas, our stems tend to reach the upper end of that range and often beyond.
- Are snapdragons toxic to cats and dogs?
- No. Snapdragons are considered non-toxic to cats, dogs and humans. Very large amounts might at most cause a mild stomach upset in pets, but there is no serious risk of poisoning. That makes them one of the safer cut flowers for households with animals or small children.
- When are snapdragons in season as a cut flower?
- The main season for snapdragons as a cut flower runs roughly from May to October, peaking in the summer months. During this time availability at the Veiling is at its best and the stems are particularly strong and long-lasting.
- Why do the tips of my snapdragons bend upwards?
- This is completely normal and comes from the plant's geotropism: the spike tips always grow upwards against gravity. If the stems were stored lying down, they curve. Simply stand the flowers straight in the vase, and fresh stems will right themselves again.