Maryl, are you talking about planting in the ground or using pots?

Actually, most plants, (except for fuzzy types like African Violets) can go out..in the ground or containers.

I was curious what Otacantheus was, so checked it out. Its common name is Snapdragon. Snaps do better out than indoors..Otacantheus are used as annuals here in Il since they're hardy to 28F degrees. From the pic, they're really pretty though.

Living in OK, when do you start setting plants outside for summer? Toni

The common name for the Otacanthus Caeruleus (Azureus) is Brazilion Snap Dragon. I read about it in one of Florida's ag bulletins in which they are recommending it for landscape use there. I'd like to see how large it grows etc. using it as a tender annual if anyone has experience with it.....Some plants such as Duranta go directly in the ground here. They are amazingly tolerant of our clay soil. Some of my other tenders are pot plants some not. Depends on how they grow. I really don't need any large shrubby plants, I'm looking more for border plants.........I don't bring my tenders out until usually Mid May or thereabouts. It does no good to get them out too early...thanks for answering my query btw. I certainly hope others will chime in if they have anything they think might work......Maryl

Maryl, yep, it's Brazilian Snap Dragon. It's much prettier than the common Snaps sold here.
I wonder how tall it gets..Since it's rare, I might look for seeds to sow then place in the garden. Thank you. Toni

I've not come across seeds of the Brazilian Snapdragon. From the few comments I've seen on it, the plants were purchased locally (the lack of such nurseries in my area is painfully apparent to me). And no ones mentioned how it grows outdoors. In your zone I can't see it growing too terribly big. I'm planning to buy mine from a mail order source and then try and propagate it myself through cuttings IF it proves useful to me.

Here is a link that might be useful: Brazilian Snap Dragon

Maryl..Kartuz ships very nice plants..I've ordered from them in the past..the thing is, orders have to be placed early..They run out, SUPER fast.

Are you interested in seeds or do you want the plant? Here's an Ebay link that sells BSD's.
The seller, 'Plants-Etc for home and garden' has your plant..it says flowers have a minty scent. This plant can be used outside or as a house plant..hmm..lol
His plants are shipped in 4" pots..Price is 5.75 per plant, he has 10 left. Don't know shipping cost.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Brazilian-Snapdragon-Plant_W0QQitemZ270275546780QQihZ017QQcategoryZ3183QQssPageNameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247

Do you know how to copy and paste the above addy? It'll take forever typing it out..lol..
There are other sellers on Ebay that have seeds/plants. Type in the name on Ebay search..In a month or two, I'd bet several ppl will have both available.

Are Brazilian Snaps hardy to Ok? If not, and you place in the garden, come fall bring them in the house..I don't know if cuttings will take..Snaps usually seed if faded flowers aren't deadheaded, which is another way to keep it going. Or, you can dig up the entire plant, clean thoroughly, and pot up. Keep isolated in case any bugs are hanging around.

It's a pretty color, but I wonder if it's true blue..Most flowers ppl call blue are really purple..lol..Toni

I think the common name Brazilian SnapDragon may be misleading. The annual garden snapdragon that we are all familiar with is Antirrhinum Majus, the tender (to my zone anyway) perennial BSD Octacanthus Caeruleus - has no relationship to it that I'm aware of. I'm just assuming that cuttings may work. Seeds might do well too. But before I worry about the propagation problems I would like to see if I can even use the plant in my garden. I don't do e-bay or any other auction venues, so I will probably end up ordering a couple of plants from Kartuz. Glad to hear that he's reliable. Although I've checked Daves Garden Watchdog, it's good to hear from someone else with buying experience.

Note: Otacanthus (correct spelling) spp. and Antirrhinum spp. belong to the same plant family, Schrophulariaceae. That would be what I would consider a relatively close relationship. Second cousins, perhaps? :-)

Maryl, yep, the common Snap and Brazilian Snap are in the same family..Brazilian Snaps orignate from Brazil..Maybe the name isn't deceiving..lol..

Kartuz has very nice and good-size plants, but it's best ordering early since they sell out. If I remember correctly, they ship according to temperature/climate. For instance, if I was to order today, they'd hold my order until spring. Toni

Bad typing fingers- yes, it's Otacanthus. I knew if I was wrong about the "family" someone would set me straight. Well, I've talked to two other sources now and both say that while the flowers are pretty the display won't be overwhelming in a border. I pretty much want overwhelming since it's a small garden and each plant must do its part. So anyway I'm hedging my bets on this one unless I change my mind again (my perogative-lol). Still have one from Kartuz that I might order - Duranta Erecta 'Snow Flurry'. Since I know Duranta's do well here it might be something different to try......... I was wondering about when to order Toni. Thanks for the heads up. I didn't know if this was too early or not for a May delivery.....And btw, the topic of my original post is still in effect. Any outdoor suggestions on shortish flowering or foliage plants suitable for full hot sun?