Asarina scandens, on its common name known as Figwort or Climbing Snapdragon, because of its flowers that are very similar to the snapdragon flowers, is a half-hardy perennial vine grown as an annual in colder areas. In mild climates, Climbing Snapdragon will remain evergreen and in cold climates will die down in winter and re-shoot the following spring. The vine can reach 2-3 m in height if will have a support to climb on, like a fence or trellises. It is also an excellent choice to grow as a ground cover or in a hanging baskets.
It is grown for its stunning trumpet-shaped, blue, violet, pink, red or white flowers, with speckled white chins, that appear from summer until autumn frost. In colder areas it can be grown as a houseplant or in a cold greenhouse or conservatory, where will often bloom until the end of the year unless there is a hard frost.
It prefers fertile, well-drained, sandy soil and a place in full sun or partial shade. If grown in containers make sure there is a good drainage and moderate moisture. Removing spent flowers and seedpods will prolong the flowering season.
Propagation is easy by sowing seeds in early spring at 16 Celsius degrees (61 F), 10-12 weeks before last frost date, or if you live in warmer areas you can let it self-sows. Flowering usually starts within 3 months from sowing. You can also try to propagate Climbing Snapdragon by root tip cuttings in summer.
