Summer snapdragon adds continuous color to any garden.
Most angelonia plants grow upright with spires of flowers and deep green, glossy foliage.
The height range is usually between 1 to 2 feet.
David Speer.
Some angelonia plants grow more horizontally than vertically.
These varieties typically don’t grow more than 1 foot tall but spread out nicely.
If you’re looking for a cascading trailer, angelonia isn’t the best fit.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
It doesn’t spill over the edges of containers or walls but grows straight out.
Butunlike true snapdragons, angelonia flowers present as one fused petal with no hinges.
Where to Plant Angelonia
This South American native loves lots of sun and damp soil.
Credit: Bob Stefko Photography
It is hardy inUSDA zones 911and grows as an annual elsewhere in the country.
Plant angelonia in full sun and rich soil that has been amended with compost.
Erect spires of angelonia fit nicely into the middle of a bed or border.
Credit: Andy Lyons Cameraworks
Space them 12 to 18 inches apart in rich, well-draining soil and keep them moist.
When they are 6 inches tall, pinch out the tips of the stems to encourage branching.
After they are established, they don’t require as much wateronly about an inch a week.
Credit: Blaine Moats
Apply alayer of mulcharound the plants to hold in the moisture.
In cooler areas, start them indoors six weeks before the last frost.
Press the seeds into the amended garden soil orpotting mix, but don’t cover them.
Credit: David Speer
The light aids germination.
When growing them indoors, provide bright light and temperatures between 70F and 75F.
Fertilizer
Fertilize angelonia plants lightly with aflower fertilizerfollowing the product instructions.
Credit: Justin Hancock
Don’t over-fertilize, or the plant will become leggy and produce more foliage than flowers.
If the plant becomes leggy, rejuvenate it in midsummer by cutting it back by half.
Pests and Problems
Angelonia is relatively pest-free, althoughaphids can become a problemearly in the growing season.
Credit: Tom Mcwilliam
How to Propagate Angelonia
Nonpatented angelonia plantsare best propagated via stem cuttings.
Seeds are now available for some popular cultivars.
Seeds from garden hybrids won’t produce plants identical to the parent plant.
Credit: Andrew Drake
Sow directly in the ground:
Types of Angelonia
There are a variety of angelonia selections.
Some series boast the largest bloom size, while others offer dwarf plants (perfect forcontainer culture).
One of the more recent developments in angelonia breeding is seed-grown varieties.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Serena Purple angelonia (Angelonia angustifolia) is one of the most acclaimed angelonias.
Serena flowers have an extensive blooming season and are dependable and hardy, even in blazing summer temperatures.
‘Angelmist Lavender’ Angelonia
Angelmist Lavender angelonia offers clear lavender-purple blooms on 2-foot-tall plants.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
It grows 2 feet tall.
‘Serenita Raspberry’ Angelonia
Angelonia angustifoliais a seed variety that is smaller than its Serena series siblings.
‘Archangel Purple’ Angelonia
ThisAngelonia angustifoliais an upright plant covered in exceptionally large flowers.
Angelonia Companion Plants
Dusty Miller
Dusty miller is a favorite becauseit looks good with everything.
Geranium
Geraniums havebeen a gardener’s favoritefor well over a century.
Traditional bedding types love hot weather and hold up well to dry conditions; many offer colorful foliage.
Though most geraniums are grown as annuals, they are perennials in Zones 1011.
Bring them indoors to overwinter, if you like, then replant outdoors in spring.
They can bloom indoors all year long if they get enough light.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are incredibly versatile.
Nasturtiums are available ineither spreading or climbing types.
Plant spreading types in large containers to spill over the sides.
Plant them alongside wide paths to soften the sides for a romantic look.
Use nasturtium to brighten a rock garden or between paving stones.
Train climbing types up trellises or alongside fences.
The leaves andflowers are edible; use them as a showy plate garnish or to jazz up salads.
Sage
You justcan’t overdo sage in the garden.
This perennial herb earns its keep with fast-growing ways, beautiful blooms, and a flavor deer find distasteful.
Some gardeners pinch out flower buds to keep leaves forming, but the blooms are beautiful.
Don’t cut back to woody stems that have no leaves; those most likely won’t sprout again.
Sage plants typically require replacing every 34 years as plants become woody and produce fewer leaves.
The uses of sage are wide-ranging.
Hanging dried leaves among woolen clothing deters moths.
Burning sage removes unpleasant odors, such as lingering cigarette smoke or cooked fish smell.
Frequently Asked Questions
Angelonia is not toxic and is safe to grow where pets and children play.
The foliagenot the flowersis fragrant, and both foliage and flowers are excellent in floral arrangements.
