Common Name: angelonia
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Plantaginaceae
Native Range: Mexico, West Indies, South America
Zone: 9 to 11
Height: 1.00 to 1.50 feet
Spread: 0.75 to 1.00 feet
Bloom Time: June to September
Bloom Description: Deep mauve to violet, white, pink, bicolors
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Annual
Flower: Showy
Leaf: Fragrant
Tolerate: Drought, Dry Soil
Culture
Winter hardy to USDA Zones 9-11. In St. Louis, it is grown as a bedding or container annual. Prefers moist, fertile soils with good drainage. Some drought tolerance. Good tolerance for summer heat and humidity. Plants grown in containers may be difficult to overwinter indoors. Consider purchasing new plants from local nurseries each spring.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Angelonia angustifolia, commonly called angelonia or summer snapdragon, is native to Mexico and the West Indies. It is an upright, glabrous, somewhat bushy, tropical perennial that is noted for its long summer bloom of small snapdragon-like flowers. Plants typically grow 12-18” tall. Stems are clad with narrow, oblong to lanceolate, green leaves (to 3” long) with toothed margins. Foliage is slightly aromatic. Bluish-purple flowers (each to 3/4” across) bloom from late spring to early fall in narrow terminal spikes (to 8” long). The two-lipped flowers are somewhat reminiscent of snapdragon. Cultivars are available in white, blue, light pink and bicolor flower colors.
Genus name comes from the Latinized version of the South American vernacular name of one of the species of these perennial herbs and sub-shrubs.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Watch for aphids and powdery mildew.
Uses
In St. Louis, grow as annuals massed in beds and borders. Also appropriate for containers.