The snapdragon, scientifically known as Antirrhinum majus, is a popular garden plant celebrated for its distinctly shaped flowers. Its common name reflects the bloom’s visual similarity to a dragon’s snout or mouth. This plant offers a unique vertical accent in garden beds and cut-flower arrangements.
The Defining Flower Structure
The most identifiable characteristic of the snapdragon is its bilaterally symmetrical structure, known botanically as zygomorphic. This means the flower can be divided into two equal halves along only one vertical plane. The corolla, or fused petals, forms a tube culminating in two distinct petal lobes, referred to as the upper and lower “lips.” The upper lip is typically two-lobed, while the lower lip is three-lobed and features a prominent bulge that closes the throat of the flower. This closure creates the “masked” appearance, resembling a closed mouth.
The Snapping Mechanism
The flower’s name comes from the action of gently squeezing the side of the bloom, which causes the lower lip to drop and the “mouth” to briefly open and close. This mechanism requires a strong pollinator, such as a large bee, to force entry. Individual flowers are generally tubular and measure between 1 and 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) long.
Coloration and Texture
Snapdragon flowers are available in an extensive palette of vibrant hues, including shades of pink, rose, red, burgundy, yellow, orange, and white. Purple variations are also common, though a true blue pigment is generally absent across the species. A frequent visual feature is the presence of bi-color or variegated patterns, where the throat or the lower lip displays a contrasting color. Wild varieties often feature pink to purple petals with a distinct yellow patch on the lower lip.
Petal Surface
The petals possess a texture often described as smooth or velvety. Their surface is covered in microscopic cone-shaped cells, which contribute to a slightly waxy feel and provide grip for pollinating insects. Cultivated varieties may also be bred to have double or “butterfly” shaped flowers, which feature more open, flattened petals, altering the classic closed-lip appearance.
Arrangement and Scale
Individual snapdragon flowers are densely clustered along the upper portion of the stem in a vertical arrangement called a terminal raceme or spike. This configuration gives the plant its distinctive linear form, adding height and structure to a landscape. The flowers on the spike open sequentially, beginning with the blooms at the bottom and progressing upwards toward the tip.
Plant Height and Foliage
The overall height varies significantly depending on the cultivar, with dwarf varieties reaching 6 to 9 inches, while tall types can soar up to 3 feet. This range allows the plant to fit into various garden roles, from edging to background planting. Providing a backdrop to the spikes are the plant’s leaves, which are typically lance-shaped, narrow, and arranged in a spiral pattern along the stem.