Angelonia Plant is a lookalike that will thrive long after the last snapdragon has faded. Snapdragons have a strong but fleeting appeal in the garden because they are cool-weather annuals that fade quickly when summer heats up. Angelonia has a fruity scent that is especially strong on hot summer evenings.
This snapdragon plant is grown as an annual in cooler climates but as a perennial in USDA cold hardiness zones 9 and higher. At the tips of strong stems covered in narrow green leaves, clusters of tiny, orchid-like flowers bloom in white, pink, mauve, violet, or purple racemes.
Angelonia Plant
Angelonia (Angelonia angustifolia) is known as the “Summer Snapdragon” because of its spiky, tubular blooms that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. The Summer Snapdragon thrives in hot, sunny weather, unlike snapdragons.
The Snapdragon flowers are highly specialized for pollination because they have hairs in the inner corolla that produce oils that oil bee pollinators, especially those of the genus Centris, collect.
The most of Angelonia species are found in Northeastern Brazil’s Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest, especially Caatinga. Some species are grown as ornamental plants for their snapdragon-like flowers, but they require warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight.
Plant Overview
- Common Name: Angelonia, summer snapdragon
- Botanical Name: Angelonia angustifolia
- Family: Plantaginaceae
- Plant Type: Perennial in warm climates, grown annually in USDA zones 8 and lower
- Mature Size: 18 inches tall, 9 to 12 inches wide
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Type: Moist, fertile, well-drained
- Soil pH: Acidic
- Bloom Time: Summer
- Flower Color: White, pink, mauve, violet, purple
- Hardiness Zones: 9-11 (USDA)
- Native Area: Mexico, West Indies, South America
Angelonia Varieties
Angelonia is a genus with around 30 varieties that live from Mexico to Argentina. Here are some Snapdragon varieties to consider growing:
- Angelmist Dark Plum’ Angelonia: Angelmist Dark Plum Angelonia is one of the darkest color choices, with deep purple flowers all summer and a height of 2 feet.
- Angelmist Lavender Angelonia: Lavender Angelmist Angelonia has 2-foot-tall plants with clear lavender-purple blooms.
- Angelmist Purple Stripe Angelonia: Purple Stripe Angelmist Angelonia is a striking variety with deep purple flowers with bold white edges. It can grow to be 2 feet tall.
- Serenita Raspberry Angelonia: Angelonia angustifolia is a smaller seed variety than its Serena series siblings.
- Serena White Angelonia: Serena White Angelonia is a compact, mounding plant with white blooms that grows to about a foot tall.
- Archangel Purple Angelonia: Angelonia angustifolia is an upright plant covered in exceptionally large flowers.
Growing Guides of Angelonia Plant
Some species are grown as ornamental plants for their snapdragon-like flowers, but they require warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight.
Pruning
The Snapdragon, unlike many annuals, does not require deadheading to promote blooming. Pinching the plants when they are young, on the other hand, enhances bushier growth.
Propagating
- Angelonia is easily propagated through stem cuttings.
- Take a three-inch clipping from the tip of an angelonia stem with a sharp knife. Select a cutting devoid of flowers.
- Remove all but the top pair of leaves from the cutting because the stem cannot support additional leaves in the absence of a root system.
- Fill a small pot halfway with soilless potting soil. Make a small hole in the soil with your pencil or finger.
- Insert the cut end into moist potting soil after dipping it in rooting hormone.
- Maintain a moist soil.
- When new leaves appear, it’s time to transplant it into your garden.
Growing From Seeds
Angelonia seeds are very fine and difficult to handle, so look for pelleted seed, which has a clay coating that dissolves after planting and makes the seeds larger.
Six weeks before the last frost, start snapdragon seeds indoors. Place the seeds in a sterile potting soil, but don’t cover them because light promotes germination.
Grow in a container or in the landscape where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. Keep the seeds moist, in a bright light, and at a temperature of 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Keep the soil surface evenly moist and avoid letting it dry out. Seeds require temperatures between 70 and 75 degree F to germinate, so use a heat mat if necessary. Seedlings will appear in 10 to 14 days.
When all frost danger has passed, gradually acclimate plants outside before transplanting them into the garden. Wait until all danger of frost has passed before sowing directly outside.
Potting and Repotting
Angelonia plants are ideal for growing in containers due to their constant blooms and tidy, self-cleaning habit. With some pool or patio planters, reap the benefits of angelonia’s appeal to butterflies and hummingbirds.
Snapdragon plants should be potted in late spring when the evening temperatures are warm. Use a commercial potting soil that has the proper acidity and drainage.
The Snapdragon has a shallow root system and will not require repotting if grown as an annual. In the spring, repot overwintered plants to refresh the growing medium.
Angelonia Plant Care
Angelonia’s tough nature and long bloom period make it a favorite in summer flower beds and containers. Its fragrant flowers and nectar-rich nectar draw pollinators to a sunny garden. These low-maintenance plants do not require deadheading and will bloom for several weeks.
Soil and Fertilizer
Angelonia tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, but prefers a pH range of 5.5 to 6.2. Organic matter-rich soil requires less watering and fertilizing. Plants require adequate drainage to avoid root rot. If the soil in garden is heavy clay, consider amending it to improve its growing snapdragon in a raised container.
The Snapdragon plants are light feeders, and more fertilizer will cause an overgrowth of foliage at the expense of flowers. Fertilize them monthly. Plants can be fed a light dose of flower fertilizer at planting time, eliminating the need to fertilize again.
Light and Water
Plant snapdragon, in full sun to provide the energy needed for continuous blooming. Plants that do not receive six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day will grow tall and leggy, with fewer blooms.
Angelonia is quite hardy and will proceed to bloom even during periods of drought. When the top few inches of soil feel dry, water it. If the plants have good drainage, additional moisture is fine.
Temperature and Humidity
Angelonia thrives in hot, humid summer weather. They thrive in the deep South, where the weather is hot and humid. With a little extra watering, Summer snapdragon also does well in the Southwest.
Pests and Diseases
Aphids can be a problem on Angelonia, especially early in the season when the plants are rapidly growing. To get rid of aphids, gentle spray the plants with water. A light misting of insecticidal soap twice a week will remove pests before they deform plants.
Hope you enjoyed reading the Planting guide of Angelonia. If you think we missed something or have a suggestion, please leave it in the comments section below.
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