A New Tool for the Landscape

Massed plantings of angelonias give great color for months in the summer, or they can be mixed with a variety of other hot-weather annuals. Images are clickable for a larger view.

As garden plants go, angelonias have barely reached legal age. Oh, we knew about them 60-70 years ago, and 30-40 years ago a few growers had them in greenhouse collections, but it wasn’t until the early 2000’s that they made their real run for the money. Let’s take a look at why they’ve become so popular so very quickly.

The subtle blend of purple and white in some angelonia blooms makes a gentle and cooling statement to its surroundings.

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Facts to know…
• Scientific name: Angelonia angustifolia
• Plant family: Plantaginaceae (formerly Scrophulariaceae)
• Common names: Angelonia, Summer Snapdragon
• Native home: Mexico and West Indies
• Lighting preference: Sun to light shade
• Growth habit: Upright to 12 to 16 in. tall, may become bushy but will not require staking

Serena Purple has been a popular selection for many years.

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• Flower colors: White, pink, purple
• Soil preference: Highly organic
• Fertilizer needs: Keep plants growing actively by feeding with a diluted water-soluble, high-nitrogen food every couple of weeks, more frequently in pots than in garden beds.
• Maintenance requirements: Few, if any. Plants will not require deadheading to remove spent blooms. I’ve not encountered any insect or disease problems with my own angelonias.

The simplicity of containerized angelonias is striking.

• The plants are annuals that are best planted into large patio pots or massed in beds in late April, May, or June for summertime displays. Nurseries have good supplies now.

Posted by Neil Sperry
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