ASARINA
(Maurandya). Mexico and the Southwest. A group
of showy, vining snapdragon relatives. We may waffle a bit as the winds of taxonomy
change. The following are vines of moderate growth, ultimately perhaps 10-15'
high. They have a lush dressing of toothed, roughly heart shaped leaves and
bear colorful, irregular blossoms, between Antirrhinum and Penstemon
in shape, along the stems from late spring to fall. They are attractive on fences
and trellises if cut back hard from time to time for renewal. Sun or light shade
near the coast, light shade inland, well drained soil, moderate watering. Hardy
as described below.
barclaiana. This is one of the more refined of the group in appearance,
with billowy growth, slender stems and small leaves. The leaves are dark
and softly shining, forming an attractive backdrop for 2" purple blossoms.
20oF or less.
erubescens. Looser growing than the last, with 3" light green leaves and
rose pink flowers of nearly the same size. It is almost never completely
out of bloom. 25oF or less.
purpusii ‘Victoria Falls’. This was something of a surprise after many
years’ experience with the twining species. It is a tuberous, bushy perennial,
growing only about 1' high, with greater spread. Bright green 1" leaves
are crowded along the stems. It is decorated much of the year by deep pink
“snapdragons”, borne singly in the leaf axils. Probably 15oF or less, resprouting
from the tubers after severe frost damage.