Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
Used with permission, all rights reserved
Gambelia speciosa
Also Known As
- Galvezia speciosa
- Island Bush Snapdragon
Plant type
perennial
size
- H: 2'-3'
- W: 4'-5'
planting zones
- 9a-11
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.
By: Native Sons
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.
Garden photo gallery of Gambelia speciosa
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
Landscape groups by tags
See other plant types of Gambelia for your garden
aka Galvezia speciosa 'Pink Panther', Pink Panther Island Bush Snapdragon
Plant Type
Shrub, Perennial
Zones
9a-11
Size
Height: 2'-3'
Width: 4'-5'
- sun - shade
- regular - drought tolerant
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