A spire of pale blooms
White snapdragons are among the most graceful of the tall varieties, with a straight stem and a column of closely packed, two-lipped blooms. Some have a faint yellow patch on the lower lip, called the palate, which acts as a guide for insects. The lip is firm enough that only a strong visitor, typically a bumblebee, can push inside.
Reading a white spire
In the language of flowers, the snapdragon is traditionally linked with graciousness and strength, and with the white version comes a sense of purity. The Victorians also attached the idea of deception to the flower, for the same reason that the "mouth" hides things. Most people searching for a white snapdragon meaning will find the cheerful side is the one used at weddings, christenings and baby celebrations.
Growing white from seed
White snapdragons are easy from seed and make a good cut-flower patch.
- In most of the country, sow in autumn (March to May) in trays and plant out in about six weeks.
- In cold-winter regions, sow in early spring after the frosts.
- Plant 20 to 25 cm apart in sun, in soil with some compost.
- Pinch the tips of young plants to get side shoots.
White flowers last better in cool weather, and they tend to show blemishes from wet weather more easily than darker colours. A vase of white snapdragons keeps for around a week if you change the water.
Seed pods
After flowering the seed pods look like tiny skulls, which is a fun fact for children.
Animal safety note
Vets using the ASPCA plant list will find snapdragon listed as non-toxic for dogs, cats and horses.
