The “summer snapdragon”

The "summer snapdragon", better known as Angelonia, is a great summer flower that grows from one to three feet tall and produces almost one-inch wide white, blue and white, and pink flowers arranged on narrow, eight inch
spikes. While true snapdragons grow best in our cooler winter weather, Angelonia is a real warm-weather, drought-tolerant plant that does well in the landscape, in containers, and can even be used as a cut flower. Angelonia are especially nice when used on the edge of a border. Available in many garden centers, Angelonia is a good bedding plant to try this year.

Native to Mexico and the West Indies, Angelonia is a member of the figwort family. The foliage of the Angelonia is glossy green to a grey-green color covered in minute hairs. While grown as an annual, this plant can sometimes winter over as a perennial in our hardiness zone. Plant Angelonia in a full sun, well-drained, moderate to dry location. Place plants from 12-16 inches apart in beds and fertilize with a balanced slow-release fertilizer suitable for flowering annuals. Expect at least six weeks of bloom in a typical season. One method to extend the bloom and rejuvenate plant vigor is to actually shear plants back 50% at mid-season which will initiate a rebloom in about two to three weeks.

There are a number of non-patented Angelonia cultivars including 'Alba' with white flowers, 'Blue Pacifica' with white and blue toned flowers, and 'Pandiana' which is pink with silver leaves. There are also a number of patented, yes, patented Angelonia available often offering larger plants, different colors and more vigorous growth. For instance, the patented Ball 'AngelMist' series comes in six colors from deep plum to lavender. Keep in mind that patented plants cannot be propagated commercially without a license from the patent holder. One interesting final note on Angelonia is their smell. When crushed, the leaves smell to some people just like grape soda or apples!

For more information on all types of flowering plants for your garden suitable for our area, please call our Master Gardener volunteers on the Plant Lifeline on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1 to 4 pm at 764-4340 for gardening help and insight into their role as an Extension volunteer.  Don't forget to visit our other County Plant Clinics in the area.  Please check this link for a complete list of site locations, dates and times - http://charlotte.ifas.ufl.edu/horticulture/Plant%20Clinics%20Schedule.pdf.

Resources:
Schoelhorn, R. & Alvarez, E. (2010) Warm Climate Production Guidelines for Angelonia.
UF/IFAS Extension.
Christman, S. (2011) Angelonia angustifolia. Floridata. wwwfloridata.com.