Photo of Gambelia speciosa flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved

Show all photos

Gambelia speciosa

Also Known As

  • Galvezia speciosa
  • Island Bush Snapdragon

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 2'-3'
  • W: 4'-5'

planting zones

  • 9a-11

More Options

Gambelia speciosa plant details

Gambelia speciosa is a broadleaf evergreen perennial with green foliage. In fall, spring and summer red flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Attracts hummingbirds. Grows well with sun - dappled shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in clay and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and seaside / salt tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Gambelia speciosa

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: plantaginaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 4 FT - 5 FT - wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: red blooms in fall, spring and summer
Uses: long-blooming, native plant, xeric, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Gambelia speciosa

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - dappled shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: heat and seaside / salt
Soil needs: clay and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Grown in open areas this California native will form a small, broad evergreen shrub, but with support it has a tendency to climb and can reach 6-8' in these situations. The leaves are about 1" long and half again as wide. Scarlet, tubular flowers, cluster at the tips of branches in mid-spring and intermittently throughout the year. Provide full sun near the coast and light shade inland. Water only moderately or infrequently as established plants are tolerant of drought; also tolerate most soils so long as they have drainage. May be used in hanging baskets or as a vine to cover fences or trellises. A hummingbird favorite. Hardy to 20 °F. Santa Catalina, San Clemente, and Guadalupe Islands.
It takes hard work to get this plant to look bad! Evergreen branches are tipped with clusters of 1” red, snapdragon-like flowers on this interesting California native from the Channel Islands. Grows well in tough soils, including clay, & is a veritable hummingbird hot spot when in bloom. The form is mounded – up to 3’ high, & 4-5’ wide from a woody base. Adapts well to dry conditions (especially in the shade) & has a very long bloom season – late Spring through Fall. Its lax stems allow it to be both a groundcover (if planted in the open), or a vining shrub that will grow up through lattice work, small trees, or shrubs. On the coast, this species can go completely dry in the Summer – inland it likes a bit more water.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Gambelia speciosa plant

How to Grow Gambelia speciosa

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - dappled shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • adaptable
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • seaside / salt tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • red
  • Wildlife

    • hummingbirds
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • fall
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glossy
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2024 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved