Snapdragon

What the snapdragon means

Squeeze the sides of a single snapdragon flower and it opens like a small dragon's jaw, which gave the plant its common name; the Latin name means "like a nose," another nod to its shape. Victorian flower dictionaries read it as presumption, and some as deception, perhaps because of that sly-looking mouth. Old European folklore held that carrying a snapdragon could protect against deceit and charms. In modern bouquets snapdragons are valued for height and color and are often given for graciousness and strength.

Flower meanings come mostly from Victorian floriography, and they vary between books, eras, and cultures.

Often sent for

• Birthday
• Just because
• Thank you
• Mother's Day

By colour

• Pink Often given for graciousness.
• White Associated with grace and purity.
• Yellow Associated with cheer and good fortune.
• Burgundy Sometimes read as strength and passion.
• Coral Often given for warmth and enthusiasm.