Trailing Snapdragon Asarina procumbens
ABOUT
Asarina procumbens, known as trailing snapdragon, is an attractive plant that is favored for its manner of growth and ornamental flowers. It has a sprawling habit, and as implied by its most common name, it trails across the ground, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets, containers, or as a ground cover. The leaves of trailing snapdragon are usually green and soft to the touch, and they can have an appealing heart-like shape that is slightly serrated around the edges. During its blooming season, trailing snapdragon produces an abundance of delicate, tubular flowers. The flowers are distinctive with a resemblance to those of a snapdragon, featuring a bi-lipped form that is common for the family it belongs to. The upper lip usually consists of two lobes, while the lower lip typically has three. These blooms come in a variety of colors; it is not uncommon to find them in shades of purple, pink, white, or blue, often with throats marked with contrasting colors. Additionally, trailing snapdragon may exhibit a tendril-like growth at the tips of the stems, which contributes to its ability to gently trail or climb when supported. Overall, its floral display combined with the lush foliage makes trailing snapdragon a visually pleasing plant, beloved for its cascading appearance and colorful blooms that can add beauty and a soft texture to any garden space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Trailing Snapdragon, Creeping Snapdragon, Maurandya Procumbens
Common names
Maurandya procumbens, Asarina erubescens.
ToxicityTo humans
Asarina procumbens, commonly known as trailing snapdragon, is not widely documented as a toxic plant to humans. There is limited information available on its toxicity; hence, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid ingesting any parts of the trailing snapdragon.
To pets
Trailing snapdragon (Asarina procumbens) does not have a well-documented toxic profile for pets either. As with humans, since comprehensive toxicity information is lacking, it is advisable to prevent pets from ingesting this plant. If you suspect your pet has consumed any part of the trailing snapdragon, monitor for any signs of distress and contact a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
24 inches (60 cm)
Plant type
Creeper
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive to pollinators: Asarina procumbens, commonly known as trailing snapdragon, attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden, aiding in pollination of various plants.
- Ornamental value: The trailing snapdragon has a trailing growth habit and produces colorful flowers, making it a popular choice for hanging baskets, window boxes, and as a ground cover.
- Drought-tolerance: Once established, the plant is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens with limited water availability.
- Low maintenance: Trailing snapdragon requires minimal care, making it a good choice for gardeners who prefer plants that do not require a lot of attention.
- Soil erosion control: The plant's spreading nature can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and banks.
- Seasonal interest: With its long blooming period, the trailing snapdragon adds color and interest to the garden throughout the growing season.
- Wildlife habitat: The dense foliage of Asarina procumbens provides shelter for various small wildlife creatures.
- Versatility in garden design: The plant's versatile nature allows it to be used in a variety of garden designs, from formal to cottage gardens.
- Fast-growing: As a fast-growing plant, trailing snapdragon quickly covers bare spots in the garden, providing a lush, green appearance.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Asarina procumbens, also known as trailing snapdragon, can be used in hanging baskets for its cascading growth habit, adding a delicate touch to home and patio decor.
- The plant is sometimes utilized in butterfly gardens because its tubular flowers are attractive to certain species of butterflies and offer a source of nectar.
- With its ground-covering capability, trailing snapdragon can be implemented in landscaping to cover bare patches of soil, thereby reducing weed growth.
- Asarina procumbens may be cultivated as a spiller plant in container gardens, where their trailing vines spill over the edge of pots for a lush effect.
- Some gardeners use the trailing snapdragon as a living mulch because it can spread and keep the soil moist and cool.
- The aesthetically pleasing nature of Asarina procumbens makes it suitable for use in wedding bouquets or table arrangements for rustic-themed weddings.
- Trailing snapdragon can be grown for educational purposes in schools or workshops, teaching about plant growth habits and vine maintenance.
- It can serve as a companion plant in vegetable gardens, where its bright flowers might help attract pollinators to the area, benefiting fruiting plants.
- In artistic settings, the trailing snapdragon can be used in living wall designs or green installations because of its attractive foliage and flowers.
- The trailing snapdragon can play a role in erosion control on gentle slopes thanks to its spreading habit and root system that helps hold soil in place.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Asarina procumbens, also known as trailing snapdragon, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe trailing snapdragon is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Trailing Elegance - As its common name ‘trailing snapdragon’ suggests, Asarina procumbens is known for its vining, gracefully trailing habit, making it symbolic of elegance and flowing beauty.
- Persistence - As a hardy plant that can spread along surfaces, it is often associated with perseverance and the ability to thrive in challenging conditions.
- Protection - Historically, some climbing and trailing plants like the trailing snapdragon were believed to offer protection to homes and gardens, symbolizing safety and shelter.
- Simplicity - Despite its ornamental appearance, Asarina procumbens maintains a simple charm, hence it can represent the value of modesty and unpretentiousness.
WaterTrailing Snapdragon (Asarina procumbens) should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This typically means watering about once a week, but frequency may vary based on temperature and humidity conditions. When watering, use enough water to moisten the soil thoroughly. This could mean approximately 16 ounces for small pots or up to a gallon for larger containers, depending on the size of the plant and the pot. It's important not to let the plant sit in water, so ensure that any excess can drain away to prevent root rot.
LightTrailing Snapdragon thrives in a location with bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so a spot near a window with a sheer curtain or a little bit of shade would be ideal. East or west-facing windows often provide the perfect amount of light for these plants without the harsh intensity of direct afternoon sunlight.
TemperatureTrailing Snapdragon prefers temperatures between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but it should not be exposed to frost or freezing conditions, as it is not frost-hardy. To thrive, these plants should be kept in an environment that is consistently within this temperature range.
PruningPruning Trailing Snapdragon is important for encouraging bushier growth and maintaining a neat appearance. Pinch back the tips of the stems periodically, especially after a flush of flowering, to stimulate new growth. The best time for more extensive pruning is in the early spring before new growth begins. Pruning can be done every few months or as needed to shape the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe trailing snapdragon (Trailing Snapdragon) prefers a well-draining potting mix with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. A good recipe is 2 parts peat, 1 part perlite, and 1 part compost to enhance fertility and moisture retention.
RepottingTrailing snapdragons should be repotted every one to two years or when the plant has outgrown its current pot, to ensure continued health and growth.
Humidity & MistingTrailing snapdragons thrive in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50% to 70%, to maintain their lush growth and vibrant blooms.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and consistent moisture for indoor growth.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade with well-draining soil and protection from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA.
Life cycleAsarina procumbens, commonly known as trailing snapdragon, begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination, under suitable conditions of moisture and temperature, produces a radicle that grows into the soil and a shoot that grows towards the light. This development leads to the formation of a juvenile plant with a few leaves, which, as it matures, develops a vining or trailing habit, bearing heart-shaped leaves and tubular flowers often favored by pollinators. As the plant continues to grow, it enters the flowering stage where it produces distinctive snapdragon-like flowers, typically during the warmer months, which after pollination, develop into fruit. The fruit, a capsule containing numerous tiny seeds, eventually dries and splits open, dispersing seeds into the environment. These seeds may lie dormant through adverse conditions until they find suitable conditions to germinate and start the life cycle anew. Regular pruning and care throughout the plant’s life can encourage a bushier form and more blooms in this perennial species.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Asarina procumbens, commonly known as trailing snapdragon, is through seed sowing. The ideal time for sowing the seeds is either in early spring or late winter, indoors, to prepare for planting out after the last frost. To propagate, fill a seed tray with well-draining soil and sprinkle the tiny seeds on the surface, lightly pressing them in, but not covering them with soil as they need light to germinate. The tray should be kept at a warm temperature, around 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit (21-24 degrees Celsius), and consistently moist. Germination typically occurs within 14-30 days. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle and have developed true leaves, they can be potted on into individual containers and eventually moved outdoors to their final planting spots.
