Galvezia speciosa (Island Snapdragon)

A very popular plant for hummingbirds, Galvezia speciosa (Island Snapdragon) is a dense evergreen shrub of sprawling habit with arching stems lined with small, elliptic-ovate, lime green leaves, 1 in. long (2.5 cm). Blooming heavily in spring and intermittently the rest of the year, clusters of tubular lipstick red flowers, 1 in. long (2.5 cm), appear at the tips of the stems. The luscious blossoms are frequented by hummingbirds and butterflies, and hold up well in flower arrangements. Native to several offshore islands of California where it grows in scrub vegetation with moist winters and dry summers, Island Snapdragon is easy to grow, heat and drought tolerant. It provides fresh green foliage and intense red flowers in the garden. Versatile, it and can be used along borders, on banks or as a groundcover. It can be used as a vining shrub with its long stems climbing or leaning on other shrubs. It also makes a showy low, flowering hedge that pumps out pretty flowers most of the year.

• Grows up to 3-4 ft. tall (90-120 cm) and 8-10 ft. wide (240-300 cm).
• Performs best in full sun or part shade in well-drained soils. Drought tolerant once established, it required little to no summer irrigation.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Pinch back stems to encourage bushier growth.
• Native to the Channel Islands of California and Guadalupe Island, Mexico.