Angelonia

Description

Angelonia, also known as summer snapdragon, is a popular flowering plant that belongs to the family Plantaginaceae. This plant is native to Mexico, the West Indies, and Central and South America. Angelonia is a herbaceous perennial plant that is commonly grown as an annual in zones below 9. It is widely used as a bedding plant, border plant, or container plant for its beautiful and long-lasting purple, pink, white, or blue flowers that resemble snapdragons. Angelonia grows up to 18-30 inches tall and 12-18 inches wide and blooms from late spring to fall.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Angelonia has a bushy and upright growth habit with lance-shaped, glossy, and dark green leaves that grow up to 4 inches long. The flowers are arranged in spikes that grow up to 8 inches long and 3-4 inches wide. Each spike contains many individual flowers that are bilaterally symmetrical and have a lip-like lower petal. The flowers come in various colors, including purple, pink, white, or blue, and have a mild, sweet fragrance. Angelonia attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.

Care Guide

Angelonia is a low-maintenance plant that requires moderate care to thrive. Here are some care tips:

• Water: Angelonia prefers moist but well-drained soil. Water the plant regularly, particularly during hot and dry weather.
• Fertilization: Angelonia benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
• Soil: Angelonia grows best in fertile, loamy soil that is slightly acidic with a pH of 6.0-6.5. The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter.
• Sunlight: Angelonia prefers full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to bloom properly.
• Hardiness Zones: Angelonia is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. In colder zones, it can be grown as an annual or overwintered indoors.

Common Pests & Diseases

Angelonia is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may occasionally suffer from the following problems:

• Aphids: These small sap-sucking insects can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Thrips: These tiny insects can cause distorted growth and leaf curl. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Root rot: Overwatering or poorly drained soil can cause root rot, which can be prevented by allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
• Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves. It can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering and improving air circulation.

Habitat

Angelonia is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, including Mexico, the West Indies, and Central and South America. It grows in a variety of habitats, including open fields, forests, and wetlands. In cultivation, Angelonia is commonly grown in gardens, landscapes, or containers.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Angelonia a perennial or an annual?

A: Angelonia is a perennial plant in zones 9-11 but is commonly grown as an annual in other zones.

Q: How often should I water my Angelonia?

A: Angelonia prefers moist but well-drained soil. Water the plant regularly, particularly during hot and dry weather.

Q: Can Angelonia tolerate full sun?

A: Yes, Angelonia prefers full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to bloom properly.

Q: How can I propagate Angelonia?

A: Angelonia can be propagated by stem cuttings or by seed. Stem cuttings should be taken in late summer or early fall and rooted in a well-drained rooting medium.

Related Plants

• Antirrhinum (snapdragon)
• Buddleja (butterfly bush)
• Calibrachoa (million bells)
• Cosmos (Mexican aster)
• Nicotiana (flowering tobacco)

References

• “Angelonia.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 12 April 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c139>.
• “Angelonia angustifolia.” Floridata. Accessed 12 April 2021. <https://floridata.com/Plants/Scrophulariaceae/Angelonia+angustifolia/580>.
• “Angelonia.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed 12 April 2021. <https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/angelonia.html>.