This variable perennial has spreading arching stems that form a prostrate to upright bushy habit. It has mid-green thick textured elliptical leaves and the bright red tube-shaped lipped flowers appear in a cluster during spring.

Hardiness zones 9 to 10

Gambelia speciosais naturally found in North America from the Channel Island of California to Guadalupe Islands in Mexico growing on rocky cliffs or bluffs and in canyons in coastal sage scrub from sea level to an altitude of 900 m (3,000 ft).

It grows in an open sunny to partially shaded position in a well-drained moderately fertile sandy stony to clay soil with a pH 6-8 and tolerates salt laden winds, drought and frost.

The Showy Island Snapdragon is grown for its spreading habit and flowers. It is planted in parks and gardens as a ground cover or as a spill-over in rockeries. It is suitable for coastal and inland regions establishing in 2-3 years and is moderately long-lived. This variable perennial is also be planted in roof gardens or courtyard planter boxes and is a use for attracting birds. It is regarded as rare and endangered in its native habitat. ID 3656

Gambelia (gam-BEE-lee-ah) speciosa(SPEE-see-OH-sah)

Scrophulariaceae (skrof-yoo-larr-ee-AY-see-ee)
Figwort and Foxglove Family