The National Garden Bureau has designated 1994 as the year of the snapdragon. Snaps, like many garden flowers, have a long history of enjoyment. Children love opening the jaw of the flower and watching it snap shut. Opening the dragon's jaw in just the right place is a skill passed down from parent to child just like the love of gardening. The Latin name for snapdragon is Antirrhinum majus.
Snapdragon flowers are available in every color but blue.
The erect spikes are covered with buds which open from the bottom to the top. The gradual opening of the buds provides color for an extended period of time. During the 1950's snapdragons were one of the top five cut flowers grown in North America. In the late 50's, breeding work was started to develop varieties with improved garden performance. By 1960 six All American Selection 'Silver Awards' had been given to the 'Rocket' snaps.