Summer is a wonderful time to nurture beautiful ornamentals. One of my favorite low-maintenance plants is the Angelonia, often called the Summer Snapdragon. Angelonia’s upright plant structure, colorful flowers, and bushy growth habit make it a standout in any garden.
If you’re interested in growing Angelonia, I’ve jotted down my insights on how to care for these gorgeous plants.
With my tips, your garden beds, pots, and baskets will be filled with vibrant, long-lasting blooms all season long!
General Characteristics of Angelonia
Scientific Name: Angelonia spp.
Other Common Names: Summer Snapdragon
USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
Native Regions: Mexico, West Indies, North America, Caribbean
Mature Height: 12-24 inches
Angelonia is a genus of over 30 species classified under the Plantaginaceae family. I’ve seen some with large blooms while others offer dwarf plants.
Most Angelonia grow upright with spires of blue, purple, white, or red flowers. Its lush foliage is a glossy green, and its blooms look like the open mouths of a dragon, which is why it was nicknamed “Summer Snapdragon.”
Angelonia often grows more horizontally than vertically, not more than 1-2 feet tall. I find that they spread out nicely and make a perfect filler for your garden bed.
Additionally, Angelonia is deer-resistant and can tolerate periods of drought, making them great in both urban and rural landscapes.
Notable Angelonia Varieties
Angelonia comes in various cultivars, each with unique characteristics. Here are a few notable varieties I’ve seen that will add charm to every garden:
- Angelface Blue: Known for its large violet-blue flowers that bloom profusely throughout the summer. Its delightful fragrance attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. They thrive in Zones 10-11.
- Serena White: Features pure white flowers and is renowned for its heat and drought tolerance. It maintains a compact, bushy growth. They thrive in Zones 9-11.
- Cascade Blue: Offers a cascading habit, making them perfect for hanging baskets and as ground cover. Its lavender-blue blooms are both abundant and eye-catching and they thrive in Zones 9-11.
- Serenita Raspberry: With striking raspberry-colored blooms, Serenita Raspberry is a compact variety that thrives in hot climates (Zones 9-11). It’s perfect for borders and mixed containers.
Acclimatizing Angelonia to Your Garden
Although Angelonia is grown as an annual in cooler climates, it can be grown as a tender perennial in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.
They can withstand summer heat and humidity with no problem!
The following sections cover my tips for acclimatizing and growing Angelonia for a vibrant garden.
Sunshine Needs
Angelonia plants thrive in full sun with lots of airflow. I recommend giving these beauties about six to eight hours of direct sunlight.
However, Angelonia plants can also do well with light shade, especially in areas with intense afternoon sun.
If Angelonia plants do not get enough sun, they will not produce as many flowers and may exhibit leggy growth. Furthermore, their foliage starts to become prone to diseases.
Angelonia’s Ideal Soil Types
In my observations, Angelonia can tolerate many soil types.
However, they perform best in moist, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 6.2.
A mix of garden soil and compost can provide the right balance of nutrients and drainage.
Sandy or loamy soils are also good choices.
Taking the time to create the right soil mix for your Angelonia can prevent the chances of your plant getting root rot.
Supplementary Fertilizer
I suggest applying a balanced, slow-release flower fertilizer at planting time to keep your Angelonia thriving.
Afterward, fertilize just once a month during the growing season.
As to how much fertilizer to use, follow product instructions. Angelonia plants are light feeders. Too much fertilizer can produce foliage overgrowth and spent flowers.
Watering Schedule and Frequency
Once established, Angelonia are hardy and drought-tolerant.
However, they perform best with regular watering.
I see the best results when watering them deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. Supplemental moisture should be fine as long as the soil is not waterlogged.
Proper Pot Sizes and When to Repot
Angelonia are versatile plants. Plus, their self-cleaning habit makes them ideal for growing in various containers, including pots.
Because they produce constant blooms, I encourage planting them in pots at least 18 inches in diameter. This will give the roots ample space to grow.
Angelonia also attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.
Adding some pool or patio planters is a good idea, enhancing the total aesthetic of your garden.
Since Angelonia plants have a relatively small root system, constant repotting is unnecessary.
In my experience, I’ve only repotted them every 1-2 years when the plant outgrows its container.
Dealing with Diseases and Pests
I’ve found that Angelonia are pest-resistant, but aphids and whiteflies can be an occasional issue, especially in their early growing season.
Regular inspection and a light misting of insecticidal soap twice a week can help manage these pests.
On the other hand, you can prevent fungal diseases by placing your Angelonia flowers in locations with good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
Cultivating Angelonia in Colder Areas
In colder climates, Angelonia can be grown as annuals.
When nighttime temperatures drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, I advise bringing them indoors.
Place them near a window where they can receive direct sunlight.
Additionally, reduce your watering frequency to about once a week.
Once spring is back and nighttime temperatures reach 60 degrees Fahrenheit and higher, you may move your Angelonia back outdoors.
How to Plant Angelonia Properly
Planting Angelonia properly ensures vibrant blooms and healthy growth throughout the summer season.
Best Planting Season
The best time to plant Angelonia seeds or seedlings is in late spring or early summer, after the last frost.
This allows the plants to establish themselves before the intense summer heat.
Mature Plants
When planting mature Angelonia plants, I recommend spacing them 12-18 inches apart to ensure good air circulation and room for growth.
Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, place the plant at the same depth it was in the pot, and backfill with soil.
Planting From Seed
Growing Angelonia from seed can be rewarding but requires patience. Here’s how I recommend doing it:
- Start your Angelonia seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost.
- Sow seeds on the surface of a seed-starting mix and lightly press them down. These seeds need light, so don’t cover them with soil.
- Keep the soil moist and provide them with bright light. Maintain a temperature between 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Germination will occur within 1-3 weeks. Once your seedlings have a few sets of leaves, transfer them outdoors. When planted in the garden, space seedlings at least eight inches apart.
Maintaining Your Angelonia Plants
Once your Angelonia plants are established, you’ll need to keep them trimmed and healthy. Here’s how I recommend maintaining them for fine blooms throughout the season.
Pruning and Deadheading
Pruning and deadheading help keep the plant’s shape.
Prune them with a sharp knife or pruning shears to remove spent blossoms and trim any leggy growth.
Note that deadheading will also stop the plant from producing seeds, allowing you to enjoy a longer blooming period from your Angelonia.
Encouraging a Bushy Growth Habit
To promote branching, pinch the tip of an Angelonia stem when the plant is young.
This results in a fuller plant with more blooms.
Companion Planting
Angelonia pair well with other sun-loving plants like petunias.
In mixed containers, they can serve as tall, attention-grabbing plants compared to their neighbors, providing height and drama.
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