| Asarina | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus: | Asarina |
| Species | |
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See text. |
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Asarina is a genus comprising 16 species of strongly sprawling or twining perennials, native to Mexico, southwestern USA, and southern Europe. Originally placed in the Scrophulariaceae (figwort family), they have more recently been moved to the Plantaginaceae (plantain family).[1] Leaves are often triangular, toothed, downy and hairy with twining flower stalks. Flowers are attractive trumpet-shaped with broad green sepals and pale throat-spotted corolla in varying sizes, resemble snapdragons, and may be white, yellow, pink, purple, and shades in between. Some species are often placed in the genus Maurandya.
They are grown as annuals in cold climates but are longer lasting in warmer climates. They need a warm sheltered position in cool climates or can be grown in the conservatory. Grow in any reasonably fertile well-drained soil and water well in summer. Good for spilling over walls and banks. They prefer to be pruned in winter as they flower more heavily on new growth. New cultivars of this plant are regularly being released from North America and Europe. Propagate from seed and cuttings.