Angelonia spp.
summer snapdragon
Mexico, Central and South America, and the West Indies
Overview
Angelonia spp. is a genus of about 30 herbaceous and shrubby perennials in the family Plantaginaceae, native to warm regions of Mexico, the West Indies, and Central and South America. In cultivation the genus is grown chiefly as a warm-season bedding plant, often called summer snapdragon, and is treated as an annual where winters bring frost. Plants form upright, branching clumps 12-30 inches (30-75 cm) tall and 9-18 inches (23-45 cm) wide, with narrow, slightly sticky leaves that give off a faint scent when brushed. Slender spikes carry many small, two-lipped, orchid-like flowers in violet, blue-purple, pink, or white, often with darker spotting in the throat, blooming steadily from late spring until frost. The flowers need no deadheading to keep coming and stand up to summer heat, humidity, and short dry spells once established. Plants are perennial only in frost-free climates and are damaged below about 32 F (0 C). Bees and butterflies work the flowers, which also hold up well as cut stems.
Native Range
Native to warm-temperate and tropical Mexico, the West Indies, and Central and South America, in open, sunny habitats on sandy and disturbed ground.Suggested Uses
Grown as warm-season bedding, in mixed containers, window boxes, and sunny borders for steady summer color. The upright spikes suit cutting gardens and combine with other heat-tolerant annuals. In frost-free climates the genus is used as a short-lived flowering perennial.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'6"
Width/Spread9" - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Blooms from late spring until the first frost, a span of several months in warm climates. Flowers open from the base of each spike upward over several weeks, and no deadheading is needed to keep new spikes coming. Bees and butterflies visit throughout the season.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
violet, blue-purple, pink, or whiteFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun on moist, well-drained soil with a pH near 5.5-7.0. Plants need warmth to grow well and begin strong flowering once nights stay mild. Water needs are moderate; established plants tolerate heat and short droughts but bloom more freely with steady moisture. Frost-free conditions are needed, as the foliage is damaged near freezing. A light feeding every few weeks supports continuous bloom in containers and beds. Plants are usually set out as nursery plugs or rooted cuttings after the last frost.Pruning
No deadheading is required, though cutting spent spikes can tidy the plant and encourage branching. A light shearing midseason renews leggy plants in long-season climates. In frost-free areas plants are cut back hard in late winter to refresh growth.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons
✓ Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
transplant
Indoor Start
8 weeks before last frost
Days to Maturity
90–120 days
Plant Spacing
12 inches