How to Grow Angelonia

If you are looking for a colorful, flowering plant, you might consider angelonia this year.

Angelonia is a cheerful little snapdragon flower for your landscape or containers. It comes in a variety of colors in shades ranging from whites and pinks to lavenders and blues. Its constant delivery of blooms and easy going nature makes a great plant for bursts of outdoor color.

Angelonia (Angelonia angustifolia) is a warm-loving annual. However, it can be grown as a perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zones 10 and 11. As a native plant to South America, it loves lots of sunshine and damp soil conditions. It is an excellent alternative for annuals that wilt in the heat of summer. Most snapdragons shy away from hot temperatures, but this one loves to bask in the sun. Angelonia is a newer plant here is the U.S. It is a favorite for horticulturists and gardeners around the country though, so it is surely here to stay.

How to Grow and Care for Angelonia

Angelonia seeds can be found online. They can be sown in early spring in areas where they grow perennially. They are considered tender perennials though, so be sure to wait until after your last frost to plant your seeds. For annual use, it is best to purchase a cutting from your local nursery and transplant it.

Plant your angelonia in a full sun location. It prefers a rich soil full of organic matter. Amend some composted nutrients into the soil at the time of planting. Angelonia will need plenty of water until it is well established. Once mature, it will withstand times of drought. It will be the happiest when the soil is damp and cool, though. A layer of mulch is a great way to help the soil maintain its moisture level.

Angelonia does not need to be deadheaded or pruned. It is a very low maintenance plant that will deliver on color right up to that first frost.

Angelonia will grow to between 1 and 2 feet. It will spread over an area up to one foot. It looks beautiful planted in groups, as long as it has a bit of room to help with air circulation. Its smaller size makes it a lovely addition to the front or middle of a garden bed.

Angelonia Pests and Problems

Angelonia is generally a hearty and healthy plant. It may be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid locations if it doesn't receive the sunshine or the movement of air that it needs.

Aphids are also a potential pest as they are attracted to angelonia. Be on the lookout for them, and try to avert them with a spray of water. Remove portions of your plant that are infested if you have to. Also, consider a companion planting of marigolds to ward off aphids. Ladybugs are natural predators to aphids too, so they should always be welcome in your flower garden.

Angelonia Varieties to Consider

'Serenita Lavender Pink' is a new cultivar for 2014. This award winning beauty is a unique mauve color.

'Serena Waterfall Mix" produces a wave of color from white to dark purple.

'Pink Princess' is a regal beauty that stands taller than other angelonias.