Island Snapdragon Journal
Galvezia Speciosa – Island Snapdragon
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This red flowering shrub is native to the Channel Islands off Southern California. Galvezia Speciosa does well in full to part shade and grows quickly even without direct sunlight. The ability to grow well in shade makes it useful for us as we are trying to hide some ugly gas meters on the East side of the house with something a bit more attractive to us as well as the wildlife.
Island Snapdragon grows quite low and can be used as ground cover. It also tolerates heavy clay soil so that will hopefully be a benefit in the area we have as it air flow seems to be a problem and the soil is very slow to dry out. I’ve put a bunch of extra holes in the planter to try and help with that. I’m interested to see if these plants survive where some other “shade plants” that we tried have failed.
The long tubular red flowers appear in spring and I’ve also seen them into the summer. This evergreen can reach about 2′ high by 4′ wide. Island Snapdragon is one of many plants in our garden enjoyed by hummingbirds.
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Plant Meta Data
| Common Name | Island Snapdragon |
|---|---|
| Botanic Name | Galvezia Speciosa |
| Origin | California |
| Bloom Period | SpringSummer |
| Bloom Color | |
| Light Required | Partial Shade |
| Water Tolerance | Occassional |
| Potential Size | 3' x 4' |
| Notes | Attracts ButterfliesAttracts SongbirdsAttracts Hummingbirds |
Gallery
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1. May 15, 2010 at 1:32 pm
I’m trying to locate a resource that sells galvezia speciosa seeds. So far, I’ve been unsuccessful. Do you know of any nursery or business that sells them?
Thanks very much.
Linda
2. May 15, 2010 at 9:39 pm
Hi Linda,
thanks for leaving a comment.
I have had most success picking up seeds from Larner Seeds and the Theodore Payne Foundation. I think for this plant, Theodore Payne would be your best bet. Their online seed store seems to be updated fairly often or you can call (818) 768-1802.
Galvezia speciosa flowers late spring through early summer so a new harvest will typically take place in fall. They may well have some left over from last season.
Good luck!
Euan