Firecracker Island Snapdragon
Gambelia speciosa 'Firecracker'
- Stay Protected with Plant Sentry ™
Firecracker Island Snapdragon - #5 Container is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry is designed to protect both consumers and the nursery trade from invasive plant pests and diseases. Sites that display the Plant Sentry protection badge are protected from consumers buying and nurseries shipping material carrying invasive pests and diseases.
This proprietary eCommerce software prevents the shipment of a restricted plant to each state. The Plant Sentry system includes a shipment certification program. The Plant Sentry Compliance Officer works closely with NatureHills.com and each nursery or fulfillment center to ensure only compliant plants are sold to customers.
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Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping
To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.
Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.
Standard Shipping Rates
At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.
| From | To | S&H |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $19.99 | $24.99 |
| $20 | $49.99 | $29.99 |
| $50 | $69.99 | $34.99 |
| $70 | $99.99 | $39.99 |
| $100 | $129.99 | $44.99 |
| $130 | $149.99 | $48.99 |
| $150 | $150+ | Approx 28% |
Click here to see our full rates
Understanding Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
| 4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
| 4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
| 6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
| 1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
| 5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
| #1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
| 5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
| #3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
| #6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
| #7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Highlights
Firecracker Island Snapdragon highlights at a glance!
Specifications
Specifications
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Brand
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Botanical Name
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Growing Zones
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Mature Height
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Mature Spread
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Sun ExposureFull Sun
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Moisture
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Soil
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Growth RateMedium
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Flower Color
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Fall Color
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Pollinator Friendly
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Fragrant
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Pruning Time
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Bloom PeriodEarly Spring, Late Spring, Summer, Fall
Growing Zones
Snappy Firecracker Island Snapdragon!
Bring a burst of fiery charm to your garden with the Firecracker Island Snapdragon (Gambelia speciosa 'Firecracker'), a vibrant broadleaf evergreen shrub known for its showy, tubular red flowers and lush green foliage! Known as a Bush Snapdragon, these are not quite like the annual ornamental Snapdragon (Antirrhinum spp.) and look more like red-flowering Salvia.
The bold red blooms of this drought-tolerant beauty are a standout choice for coastal, Southwestern, and Mediterranean-inspired landscapes, adding color and texture year-round. Not to mention eager hummingbirds and pollinators in search of nectar!
Native to California's Channel Islands, this resilient plant thrives in a variety of conditions, making it a favorite for low-maintenance, wildlife-friendly gardens. Hardy throughout hot USDA growing zones 9 and up, these grow into pretty shrubs 3-5 feet tall and wide.
>>Jump to Care & Planting Instructions
Why Choose Firecracker Island Snapdragon?
The Firecracker Island Snapdragon offers a dynamic combination of beauty, resilience, and ease of care. Its dazzling red flowers brighten any garden while its adaptability to drought and coastal conditions make it a reliable choice for challenging landscapes.
Whether you're creating a pollinator-friendly garden or adding a splash of red to your yard, this plant is a surefire hit!
Key Features of the Firecracker Island Bush Snapdragon
- Brilliant Red Blooms: Striking tubular flowers that bloom nearly year-round, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden.
- Compact Evergreen Shrub: Maintains lush green foliage, providing structure and interest even when not in bloom.
- Drought-Tolerant: Perfect for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Coastal Adaptability: Thrives in salty air and sandy soils, making it ideal for coastal landscapes.
- Wildlife Haven: A magnet for pollinators, including bees and hummingbirds.
Landscaping Uses For Firecracker Island Snapdragon
The versatile Firecracker Snapdragon fits beautifully into a variety of garden settings. Use it to:
- Add Pops of Color: Plant in borders, beds, or mass plantings for a bold splash of red.
- Beautify Slopes: Its spreading habit helps stabilize soil, making it perfect for erosion control on hillsides.
- Create Wildlife-Friendly Spaces: Attract pollinators with its nectar-rich blooms.
- Highlight Hardscapes: Use them in rock gardens or along pathways to soften and enhance the landscape.
- Container Gardening: Its manageable size makes it a standout choice for patio pots and planters.
Planting and Care For Firecracker Island Snapdragon
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun but can tolerate light shade in hotter climates.
Soil: Prefers well-draining soils, such as sandy or rocky types, but adapts to loamy soils as long as drainage is good.
Watering: Drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly during the first growing season, then reduce to occasional deep watering.
Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage dense growth.
Fertilization: Requires minimal feeding; a light application of a balanced fertilizer in spring can boost growth and blooming.
Hardiness: Suitable for USDA zones 9–11, tolerating mild frosts and thriving in coastal conditions!
Garden Pyrotechnics Now Available At NatureHills.com!
Transform your landscape with the vibrant blooms and hardy charm of the Firecracker Island Bush Snapdragon—order yours today at Nature Hills Nursery!
Frequently Asked Questions About Firecracker Island Bush-Snapdragon
How large does the Firecracker Island Snapdragon grow?
This compact shrub typically reaches 3–5 feet tall and wide, making it perfect for small to medium-sized spaces.
Can Firecracker Island handle salty air and coastal winds?
Yes! It's well-suited to coastal environments and thrives in sandy, salty soils.
Does the Firecracker Island Snapdragon bloom all year?
While it blooms nearly year-round in mild climates, the heaviest flowering occurs in spring and summer.
Is Bush Snapdragon deer-resistant?
Yes, its dense, slightly aromatic foliage is generally unappealing to deer.
Can I grow Bush Snapdragons in a container?
Absolutely! Its manageable size and striking flowers make it an excellent choice for pots and planters.
