Angelonia angustifolia

Origin: Angelonia (Angelonia angustifolia) might seem like a delicate and finicky plant, but in reality, growing Angelonia is quite easy. Referred to as "summer snapdragons," these plants produce an abundance of flowers resembling small dragons throughout the summer, and in warmer climates, flowering extends into autumn.

Description: An Angelonia plant grows about 45.5 cm tall; its leaves emit a faint apple-like scent. Flowers bloom in vertical spikes at the tips of the main stems. The species’ flowers are bluish-purple, while cultivated ones come in white, blue, light pink, and bicolors. Angelonia flowers do not need deadheading to continue their flowering display.

Use Angelonia as an annual border plant in flower beds or plant en masse for a stunning display. They also thrive in pots and containers, making for excellent cut flowers, with foliage retaining its fragrance indoors.

Care: Choose a spot in full sun or light shade and plant border plants in spring, two to three weeks after the last expected frost. Space them at 30 cm in cooler climates and 45-60 cm in warmer regions. When young plants reach 15 cm tall, pinch back the tips of the main stems to encourage bushier growth.

Seeds of Angelonia plants aren’t easily found, but if available, sow them directly outdoors. In colder areas, start them indoors. Seeds typically take about 20 days to germinate but can take up to two months.

Post-bloom Angelonia plants prefer moist, well-draining soil but can withstand short dry spells, especially if the soil is enriched with compost before planting. Keep the soil around young seedlings consistently moist.

Allow the soil to dry between waterings once plants are well-established. Apply a light 10-5-10 fertilizer to the plants once a month, but avoid overdoing it. Too much fertilizer will result in more foliage and fewer flowers.

Feed potted plants with liquid fertilizer mixed per package instructions. If Angelonia plants start growing in mid-summer, trim them back to half their height. They'll soon regrow and produce a new flush of flowers.