Trailing snapdragon (Maurandya scandens 'Shooting Stars Blue')
Maurandya scandens 'Shooting Stars Blue', Trailing snapdragon, offers intense indigo blue trumpet flowers from May to September on vigorous vines.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Trailing snapdragon, or Maurandya scandens ‘Shooting Stars Blue’, is a vigorous, woody-based tender perennial highly valued for its spectacular summer display of deep indigo blue, trumpet-shaped flowers. Grown primarily as an annual explosion of color north of its hardiness range, this vine quickly establishes twisting stems that seek support. Gardeners adore the Maurandya scandens ‘Shooting Stars Blue’ for its dramatic vertical accent or graceful cascading habit in summer displays.
Native to Mexico and Central America, this plant thrives where it receives consistent moisture and rich soil, performing best when protected from the harshest afternoon sun in very hot regions. It boasts arrowhead-shaped leaves providing a lush backdrop to the showy blooms that continuously unfurl from late spring through early autumn. Whether training it upward on an arbor or allowing it to spill over a container edge, the Trailing snapdragon offers an exciting tropical texture and intense color.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Plantaginaceae
- Plant Type: Vine
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 9-10
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 6-9 ft
- Spread: 3-6 ft
- Bloom Time: May to September
- Bloom Description: Indigo blue
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
For optimal performance, plant Maurandya scandens ‘Shooting Stars Blue’ when all danger of frost has passed, ideally in spring. This vine requires organically rich, fertile, well-drained loam to establish strong growth, especially if aiming for the full 9-foot potential. Full sun is best, though incorporating afternoon shade is highly recommended in hot climates to prevent scorching and maintain flower quality.
Water needs are best described as medium; aim for consistent moisture without allowing the soil to become waterlogged. Because the Trailing snapdragon is a fast grower, regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer during the active growing season will support continuous blooming from May to September.
In Zones 9 and 10, this plant acts as a perennial and may survive winter outdoors, potentially even self-seeding. Gardeners outside this range should treat it as an annual or dig up the tubers to overwinter indoors. If starting from seed, begin indoors 10-12 weeks before your average last frost date, transplanting the seedlings once they develop several sets of true leaves.
Landscape Uses
The twining habit of Maurandya scandens ‘Shooting Stars Blue’ makes it an exceptional choice for vertical gardening structures. Utilize it to clothe trellises, arbors, or pergolas, adding height and softening hard architectural lines with its lush foliage and indigo blooms. It excels when used as an annual backdrop plant where its vigorous growth can quickly fill a space.
Alternatively, the delicate, drooping nature of the vine works beautifully in hanging baskets or cascading over the edges of raised planters and stone retaining walls. The intensity of the blue flowers contrasts well with silver foliage plants or hot pink annuals for a dynamic summer display.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Maurandya scandens, commonly known as creeping gloxinia or twining snapdragon, is generally grown as a fast-climbing vine reaching 6-9 feet tall on twisting stems, though it gracefully cascades from containers. The flowers are tubular, two-lipped, and an intense deep indigo blue, strongly resembling the shape of true snapdragons. This popularity stems from its vigorous, continuous summer flowering habit and its usefulness on various supports.
Tolerances
Potential Problems
Maurandya scandens ‘Shooting Stars Blue’ generally remains free from serious insect or disease issues, making its maintenance level relatively straightforward for a vigorous climber. Consistent cultural practices, specifically ensuring well-drained soil and appropriate watering (medium), will preempt most potential stress issues. Monitor for common pests like aphids if growth becomes stressed, treating promptly with insecticidal soap if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Trailing snapdragon suitable for?
The Trailing snapdragon is winter hardy enough to function as a perennial in USDA Zones 9 through 10, but it is commonly grown as an annual in cooler regions.
How large does Maurandya scandens ‘Shooting Stars Blue’ grow?
This vine typically matures to a height between 6 and 9 feet tall, spreading to cover an area 3 to 6 feet wide once established on supports.
What sun exposure does Trailing snapdragon need?
Maurandya scandens ‘Shooting Stars Blue’ performs best in full sun but benefits greatly from partial shade, especially during the hot afternoon hours in warmer climates.
When does Trailing snapdragon bloom?
You can expect beautiful indigo blue flowers continuously throughout the season, generally blooming from May all the way through September.
Conclusion
The Trailing snapdragon (Maurandya scandens ‘Shooting Stars Blue’) offers unparalleled summer vertical interest with its unique indigo blue flowers and rapid, vigorous vining habit. Its adaptability as a tender perennial or a spectacular annual ensures its place in many gardens across USDA Zones 9 and 10, and containers elsewhere. Check your local frost dates and plan to give this plant the rich soil and support it needs to truly shoot for the stars this growing season.
Companion Planting with Climbers
When designing vertical accents, ensure companion plants share similar cultural needs regarding sun and water. Pair Maurandya scandens ‘Shooting Stars Blue’ with other fast-growing annual vines like sweet peas (in cooler areas) or black-eyed susans (Thunbergia alata) for contrasting foliage and flower shapes. For permanent support structures, consider planting low-growing perennials around the base that won’t compete heavily for the vine’s quick upward growth.
Container Growing Tips
For gardeners overwintering Maurandya scandens ‘Shooting Stars Blue’ indoors, container gardening is essential. Use a large pot, minimum 12 inches in diameter, ensuring excellent drainage. Train the stems onto a small built-in trellis or stake early to guide their twining ascent, allowing the lower portions to cascade attractively over the rim. Keep the soil medium in the container consistently medium moist throughout the summer to support rapid stem development.
