Blue Snapdragon Vine
Maurandella antirrhiniflora (maw-ran-DEL-lah an-tee-rin-IF-lor-uh)
The snapdragon vine is a herbaceous perennial in the plantain family (Plantaginaceae) native to the southwest United States, Mexico, Cuba and the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is found in a varity of dry subtropical environments. In its native habitat, the snapdragon vine can be found climbing on other plants as well as hanging from rocky calcareous soil bluffs. It will grow in a variety of soils, including clay, providing that the soil is well-drained. In zones below 9, it can be grown as an annual. In the garden, it does well growing up small trellises or gates as well has from a hanging planter. It makes a good container plant. Ensure that moderate moisture and good drainage are provided. It will spread, but is not overly aggressive. Removing spent flowers and seed pods will prolong the flowering season. Growing in full sunlight will increase flower production, however, too much heat can cause a reduction in flowering. Some patience is required. Keep watering, and as the temperatures lowers, you will see more blooms produced. The flowers resemble snapdragons, leading to this plant's common names. They are axillary, growing in the axils of the leaf. The upper lip is bi-lobed, while the lower lip has 3 lobes. At close view, they may be referred to as showy, however, from a distance they appear insignificant. It can be grown as a flowering ground cover, each plant covering approximately 9 square feet (3'x3'). Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious pest or disease issues. Root rot can occur when the soil remains wet. Powdery mildew and rust can occur when too much moisture is present. Watering should be done from the base of the plant.
Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 60 attributes.
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