If you pluck a flower off a snapdragon and pinch the sides of the blossom, you can make the dragon open it’s lips and snap. These reptilian flowers are Ontario’s 3rd largest cut flower crop and a florist staple as the classic line flower.   They are available year round.

The brilliantly colored spikes and light, spicy fragrance of the snapdragon make it an old fashioned favorite. But time has not stood still for this flower. This industry staple is evolving into a modern floral diva.

Over the decades, the snapdragon has undergone a series of facelifts. The current version has longer, more tapering spikes, shatter-resistant florets and sturdier stems. And, they are available in all colors of the rainbow from white to almost black, and in every combination imaginable. Most snapdragons have the familiar pursed lips look, but some newer varieties have open, funnel shaped flowers. There are also double flower varieties.



Recently, the snapdragon has found a niche in home interiors. With tall, full spikes that continue to open new florets, this flower always has something fresh to offer.  To maximize the life of cut snapdragons, trim stems with a sharp knife, pinch any lower spent blooms and avoid removing the green foliage as this can cause the blooms to fall off. Vase life is 5 to 8 days if refreshed with water daily.

There are no memorable poems about the snapdragon, nor priceless paintings by a tortured artist.  But this common flower is one of nature’s best artistic statements.