Gambelia

( gam - BEE - lee - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

Plants in this genus are commonly called Island Snapdragon or Bush Snapdragon, and require full sun exposure and little water to thrive in the garden. They are typically evergreen in their native range. Flowers are scarlet and tubular, appearing in mid-spring. Use Gambelia shrubs as accents, in mixed beds, or grow them in pots. These shrubs are also wonderful in wildlife gardens, and will attract hummingbirds to the landscape.

gambelia Species and Varietals

The small genus Gambelia was previously classified as Galvezia, and includes three species. It is in the Plantain family (Plantaginaceae). Gambelia grows best in USDA hardiness zones 9a-11 or Sunset growing zones 14-24. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Gambelia juncea (Galvezia juncea, Galvesia juncea) (Baja California Bush Snapdragon, Baja Bush Snapdragon, Cedros Island Snapdragon)
Plants in this species have a highly variable habit, though they tend to be woody at their bases. They typically reach a bit over 3 feet tall when mature, and have small, thin green foliage. Flowers are tubular and bright red with two outer lips. It can form an erect or spreading shrub depending on its surrounding habitat. Cultivars include 'Gran Cañon' (with upright, arching stems) and 'Punta Banda' (with thick, dense bright green foliage).

Gambelia speciosa (Galvezia speciosa) (Showy Island Snapdragon, Showy Greenbright, Island Snapdragon)
This endangered species forms an evergreen sub-shrub and is native to San Clemente, Catalina, and Guadalupe Islands near Southern California and Mexico. Plants have a spreading, open habit and reach up to 3-4 feet tall and 5-7 feet wide at maturity, with stems that extend to 15 feet. Cultivar 'Firecracker' (pictured) reaches just 2-3 feet tall and 3 feet wide, with bright red flowers, and 'Boca Rosa' (also called Boca Rosa Showy Island Snapdragon), known for its profuse blooms.

Caring for Gambelia

Gambelia, or Island Snapdragon, should be planted in a spot in the garden that receives full sun to partial shade. Ideally, these shrubs prefer to get between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day. Not enough sunlight will result in a leggy plant that produces fewer flowers, though some late afternoon shade, especially in the warmer regions of their zone range, can protect plants from sunburn. Gambelias like a poor, well-draining soil medium that is rocky. They are highly adaptable, however, and can be grown in clay, loam, or sandy soils as long as drainage is adequate. If local soils do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. After planting, apply a thick layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, increase soil moisture retention, and maintain a constant soil temperature. Ensure that mulch does not go right up to the plant stems, as this creates an environment that favors fungal diseases to take hold.

Water new plantings regularly as they develop a strong root system. At maturity, Gambelias are considered drought-tolerant, able to get by on rainwater alone for much of the year with supplemental waterings during extended periods of dry, hot weather. In summertime, deep water 1-2 times a month to extend the flowering season. Fertilize yearly in early springtime with a application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These plants are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing and flowering seasons. Prune Gambelia shrubs occasionally to increase airflow through the center of the shrub or to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches. These shrubs are fast-growing but short-lived, able to survive in the landscape for up to 5 years before needing to be replaced. Under optimal care conditions, they can last for up to 15 years.

Caring for Gambelia in Containers
Gambelia, or Island Snapdragon, shrubs are wonderful in the ground, but can also be grown in containers. Choose a container that is at least a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite, and top with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened. Although still considered drought-tolerant, Gambelia grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot.

Propagation

Gambelia can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your Island Snapdragon shrub, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Gambelia by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.

Propagating Gambelia by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. The seed pods on Island Snapdragon plants are pretty easy to spot, they're left behind after the flowers have faded, and will begin to open. They look very similar to Snapdragon (Antirrhinum) seeds; they are small and black and there are many per seed pod.
Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes between 10-21 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home