Angelonia
Angelonia angustifolia
Often called summer snapdragon, angelonia produces upright spikes of orchid-like flowers that thrive in heat and humidity all season without deadheading.
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Angelonia, the summer snapdragon, is a heat-loving tender perennial usually grown as an annual. It sends up slender spikes lined with small, orchid- or snapdragon-like flowers in purple, blue, pink, and white, often with delicate markings.
Unlike true snapdragons, it relishes the hottest, most humid part of summer and keeps blooming when many flowers fade. It is self-cleaning, drought-tolerant once established, and the foliage has a faint apple-like scent when brushed.
How to identify it
- Habit: Upright, bushy, 12-24 in tall
- Flowers: Small, two-lipped, orchid-like blooms along vertical spikes
- Colors: Purple, violet-blue, pink, white, often bicolored
- Leaves: Narrow, lance-shaped, lightly aromatic when crushed
- Bloom time: Early summer through frost, even in extreme heat
Care & growing
Light: Full sun is essential for compact growth and heavy bloom.
Water: Water regularly while establishing; drought-tolerant afterward.
Soil: Well-drained, average to rich soil.
Temperature: Thrives in heat and humidity; not cold-hardy.
Feeding: Light, regular feeding supports continuous bloom.
Propagation: From cuttings or seed; many varieties are vegetatively propagated hybrids. No deadheading needed.
Habitat & origin
Native to Mexico and the West Indies, where it grows in warm, sunny conditions.
It is grown worldwide as a summer annual for hot-climate gardens, containers, and cut flowers, and behaves as a perennial in frost-free regions.
Uses & benefits
Ornamental: An excellent vertical accent in beds and containers and a heat-proof alternative to snapdragons; the spikes make good cut flowers.
Ecological: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Frequently asked questions
Is angelonia related to snapdragons?
It is nicknamed summer snapdragon for its similar flower spikes, but it is a different plant that, unlike true snapdragons, thrives in summer heat.
Do I need to deadhead angelonia?
No. It is largely self-cleaning and blooms continuously without deadheading.
Will angelonia survive winter?
Only in frost-free climates, where it is a tender perennial. In colder areas it is grown as an annual or overwintered indoors.
How much sun does angelonia need?
Full sun. In too much shade it grows leggy and blooms poorly.
Angelonia guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Angelonia.
