Summer Snapdragon

Angelonia (Angelonia angustifolia)

Angelonia, commonly known as Summer Snapdragon, is a beautiful and versatile flowering plant that blooms profusely throughout the summer. With its upright, bushy growth habit and vibrant, tubular flowers, Angelonia adds striking color and texture to gardens, containers, and landscapes. Known for its heat tolerance and long blooming period, Angelonia is perfect for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance plant that thrives in hot, sunny conditions.

Distinctive Features

Angelonia features spikes of colorful flowers in shades of purple, pink, white, and blue, creating a lively and dynamic display in any setting. The plant's upright growth habit allows it to fill in spaces and provide vertical interest, while its soft, green foliage serves as a perfect backdrop for the vibrant blooms. The flowers are not only beautiful but also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it a great addition to pollinator gardens.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Prefers full sun to partial shade. For optimal blooming, Angelonia should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.


• Soil: Thrives in well-draining, fertile soil. It adapts well to a variety of soil types but performs best in slightly acidic to neutral pH soils.


• Water: Requires moderate watering. While it is drought-tolerant once established, regular watering during dry spells will help promote continuous blooming and healthy growth.


• Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity, but it is known for its ability to withstand hot and dry conditions, making it ideal for summer gardens.


• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11 (typically grown as an annual in cooler climates but can be grown as a perennial in warmer regions).

Ideal Uses

• Flower Borders: Angelonia works wonderfully in flower borders, where its upright spikes of colorful flowers add vertical interest and fill in garden spaces.


• Container Planting: Ideal for hanging baskets, window boxes, and patio containers, Angelonia provides long-lasting color and thrives in the warmth of summer.


• Landscape Planting: Excellent for adding color to sunny garden beds, walkways, and public spaces, Angelonia can be planted in groups for maximum visual impact.


• Pollinator Gardens: Its vibrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a perfect addition to gardens designed to support local wildlife.

Low Maintenance Care

Angelonia is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care to thrive. Once established, it requires little attention and blooms continuously throughout the summer, providing color and texture with very little effort.

• Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.


• Pruning: Remove spent flowers (deadheading) to encourage new blooms and maintain the plant�s neat, bushy appearance.


• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to promote strong growth and abundant blooms throughout the growing season.


• Winter Care: In colder climates, Angelonia is typically treated as an annual, but it can be overwintered indoors in containers in cooler zones.

Why Choose Angelonia?

Angelonia is a fantastic addition to any garden or landscape, offering bold, colorful blooms that last through the summer. Its heat tolerance, low-maintenance care, and ability to attract pollinators make it an excellent choice for both experienced and novice gardeners.

• Vibrant Blooms: The tubular flowers in a variety of colors create a dynamic, long-lasting display that brings continuous color to your garden.


• Heat Tolerant: Angelonia thrives in hot, sunny conditions, making it a perfect summer plant for regions with high temperatures.


• Low Maintenance: Once established, Angelonia is easy to care for, requiring only occasional watering, deadheading, and fertilizing.


• Pollinator-Friendly: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it an excellent addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.

For a summer-blooming plant that provides vibrant color, is heat-tolerant, and attracts pollinators, Angelonia (Angelonia angustifolia) is the perfect choice to brighten up any garden or container.