Description

The island snapdragon is endemic to Catalina and San Clemente Islands. Like many plants of the Channel Islands, it does well in regions of the state which enjoy a Mediterranean climate without extended winter frosts. The ‘firecracker’ selection of the island snapdragon (thanks to Tree of Life Nursery) grows in an open, rounded form to about four feet tall and wide. It is more compact than the species and produces its bright red flowers only at the branch tips, resulting in a showier display. The leaves are apple green. In west San Jose I have grown this selection in many locations and have found that it blooms most generously in full sun and well-draining soil. In other settings it has bloomed sparsely or not at all. I suspect that in warmer locations it may bloom more reliably. Pruning island snapdragon in the early spring will yield denser growth.