Snapdragon Vine
Snapdragon Vine (Maurandya antirrhiniflora)
By En el nido (Nest), CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=58511440
Scientific Name: Maurandya antirrhiniflora
Common Names: Snapdragon Vine, Creeping Snapdragon, Climbing Snapdragon
Native to: Southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America
Lighting Requirements: Full sun to partial shade (best flowering in full sun)
Height: 3 to 5 feet (as a climbing or trailing vine)
Width: 2 to 4 feet, depending on growing space and support
Winter Look: Semi-evergreen in mild climates; dies back in frost-prone areas but often reseeds itself
Seasonal Interest: Small, tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, or lavender with white throats; blooms from spring through fall
Drought Tolerance: High; well-adapted to arid conditions and can thrive with minimal water once established
Soil Requirements: Well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil; tolerates poor soil conditions
pH Range: Neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5–8.0)
Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 8–11; grown as an annual in cooler climates
Deer Resistance: Moderate; not a favored plant for deer
Attracts: Hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees
Potential Issues: Few pest or disease problems; overwatering can lead to root rot
Notes: Snapdragon Vine is a delicate, twining plant admired for its charming, snapdragon-like flowers and soft, green foliage. Native to arid and semi-arid regions, this vine is both drought-tolerant and heat-loving, making it a low-maintenance choice for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
The flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds and pollinators, adding life and movement to gardens.
Snapdragon Vine thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil. Although highly drought-tolerant, occasional watering during prolonged dry periods will promote more robust flowering. Its self-seeding capability ensures that it returns year after year in favorable conditions, even in regions where it grows annually.
This vine is a wonderful addition to informal gardens, native plant landscapes, or areas where low maintenance is desired. Its airy growth habit and charming blooms make it a delightful plant for gardeners seeking understated elegance.
I've seen these growing naturally around Lake Georgetown. They really are a cheerful little surprise to see in such a rugged landscape.
By Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA - Snapdragon Vine, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=49987835
By Photo by David J. Stang - source: David Stang. First published at ZipcodeZoo.com, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61097926
By En el nido (Nest), CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=58511451