Summer is a great time to take care of beautiful houseplants. One of my favorite low-maintenance plants is Angelonia, commonly known as Summer Snapdragon. Angelonia’s upright plant structure, colorful flowers, and bushy growth habit make it a standout in any garden.
If you are interested in growing Angelonia, I have documented my insights on how to care for this beautiful plant.
With my tips, your flower beds, planters and baskets will be filled with fresh, long-lasting blooms all season long!
General characteristics of Angelonia
Science name: Angelonia species
Other common names: Summer Snapdragon
USDA Hardiness Zone: 9-11
Native areas: Mexico, West Indies, North America, Caribbean
Adult Height: 12-24 inches
Angelonia is a genus of over 30 species classified under the family Plantaginaceae. I have seen some species with large flowers while others have dwarf plants.
Most Angelonias grow upright with blue, purple, white or red flowers. Its lush foliage is glossy green and the flowers look like the open mouth of a dragon, which is why it is nicknamed the “Summer Snapdragon.”
Angelonias typically grow more horizontally than vertically, never getting more than 1-2 feet tall. I find them to spread beautifully and are perfect for your garden beds.
In addition, Angelonia is deer resistant and drought tolerant, making it suitable for both urban and rural areas.
Notable Angelonia Varieties
Angelonia comes in many different varieties, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are a few notable varieties that I have found that will add charm to any garden:
- Angelface Green: Famous for its large, blue-purple flowers that bloom throughout the summer. Its pleasant fragrance attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. They thrive in Zones 10-11.
- Serena White: Has pure white flowers and is known for its heat and drought tolerance. It maintains a dense, compact growth. It thrives in Zones 9-11.
- Waterfall Blue: They have a drooping habit, making them perfect for hanging baskets and as ground covers. Their lavender-blue flowers are both abundant and eye-catching, and they thrive in Zones 9-11.
- Serenita Raspberry: With striking raspberry-colored flowers, Serenita Raspberry is a compact cultivar that thrives in hot climates (Zones 9-11). Suitable for borders and mixed containers.
Introducing Angelonia to your garden
Although Angelonia is grown as an annual in cooler climates, it can be grown as an ornamental. tender perennial in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11.
They can withstand the heat and humidity of summer without any problem!
The following sections present my tips on how to acclimate and grow Angelonia plants for a thriving garden.
Sunlight needs
Angelonia plants thrive in full sun with good air circulation. I recommend giving these beauties about six to eight hours of direct sunlight.
However, Angelonia plants can also thrive in light shade, especially in areas that get harsh afternoon sun.
If Angelonia plants do not receive enough sunlight, they will not produce many flowers and may grow leggy. Additionally, their leaves will become susceptible to disease.
Ideal Soils for Angelonia
From my observation, Angelonia plants can tolerate a wide range of soil types.
However, they grow best in moist, well-drained soil with Slightly acidic to neutral pH 5.5 to 6.2.
A mixture of garden soil and compost can provide the right balance of nutrients and drainage.
Sandy or loamy soil are also good options.
Taking the time to create the proper soil mix for your Angelonia can prevent the risk of root rot.
Additional fertilizer
I recommend using a slow-release, balanced flower fertilizer at planting time to help your Angelonia thrive.
Afterward, Fertilize only once a month during the growing season.
As for how much fertilizer to use, follow the product instructions. Angelonias are light-loving plants. Too much fertilizer can cause excessive leaf growth and wilting of the flowers.
Watering schedule and frequency
Once established, Angelonia was hardy and drought tolerant.
However, they will grow best when watered regularly.
I see the best results Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather and soil conditions. Additional moisture is fine as long as the soil is not waterlogged.
Suitable pot size and time to change pot
Angelonias are versatile plants. Plus, their self-cleaning abilities make them ideal for growing in a variety of containers, including planters.
Because they produce continuous flowers, I recommend Plant them in pots that are at least 18 inches in diameter.This will provide enough space for the roots to grow.
Angelonia plants also attract pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds.
Adding some potted plants in the pool or yard is a good idea, adding to the aesthetics of your entire garden.
Because Angelonia plants have relatively small root systems, Constant repotting is not necessary..
In my experience, I only repot them every 1-2 years as the plant outgrows the pot.
Dealing with diseases and pests
I found Angelonia pest resistantBut aphids and whiteflies can be an occasional problem, especially early in the growing season.
Check regularly and mist lightly. insecticidal soap twice a week can help control these pests.
On the other hand, you can prevent fungal diseases by placing Angelonia flowers in areas with good air circulation and avoiding watering from above.
Growing Angelonia in Colder Zones
In cooler climates, Angelonia can be grown as an annual.
When the night temperature drop below 60 degrees FahrenheitI recommend you bring them indoors.
Place them near a window where they can receive direct sunlight.
Also, reduce watering frequency to about once a week.
As spring returns and the night temperatures 60 degrees F and aboveYou can move your Angelonia plant outdoors.
How to plant Angelonia properly
Planting Angelonia plants properly will ensure abundant blooms and healthy growth throughout the summer.
Best planting season
The best time to plant Angelonia seeds or seedlings is in late spring or early summerafter the last frost.
This helps the plant to thrive in the intense heat of summer.
Mature tree
When growing mature Angelonia plants, I recommend The distance between them is 12-18 inches. to ensure good air circulation and space for plants to grow.
Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, place the plant at the same depth as it was in the pot, and cover with soil.
Growing from seed
Growing Angelonia from seed can be very rewarding but requires patience. Here is how I recommend you do it:
- Starting your Angelonia seeds Indoor 8-10 weeks before the last frost.
- Sow the seeds on the surface of the potting mix and press the seeds down lightly. These seeds need light.So don’t cover them with soil.
- Keep the soil moist and give them bright light. Maintain the temperature between 70-75 degrees F.
- Germination will occur within 1-3 weeks.. Once your seedlings have a few sets of leaves, move them outdoors. When planting in the garden, plant seedlings at least eight inches apart.
Maintaining Your Angelonia Plant
Once your Angelonia plants have grown, you will need to prune them and keep them healthy. Here is how I recommend you maintain them to keep them blooming beautifully throughout the season.
Pruning and deadheading
Pruning and deadheading helps maintain the shape of the plant.
Prune them with a sharp knife or pruning shears to remove spent flowers and trim long stems.
Note that Removing spent flowers will also prevent the plant from producing seeds.allowing you to enjoy a longer bloom period from your Angelonia plant.
Encourages bushy growth habit
To encourage branching, pinch the tips of Angelonia stems while the plant is young.
This will help the plant grow better and produce more flowers.
Intercropping
Angelonia Combines well with other sun-loving plants like carnation
In mixed plantings they can become tall, attention-grabbing plants that stand out from surrounding plants, creating height and drama.
Melissa Pino is a biologist, master gardener, and frequent contributor to Planet Natural. Melissa’s work focuses on promoting environmentally friendly practices, helping people create healthy gardens, and finding ways to achieve overall health and wellness.
