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Summer snapdragon or angel flower (Angelonia) is a sun-loving tender perennial native to Central and South America. In the UK it’s usually grown as an annual bedding plant.
Compact plants reach a maximum height of 45cm and bear many slender, upright stems covered in small brightly coloured, fragrant blooms in a variety of colours, from white, blue, pink, and purple. Similar to those of antirrhinum or snapdragon, angelonia flowers appear for a long period, typically from early summer to autumn, especially when grown in full sun. As well as bedding, it makes a good cut flower, with the fragrance of the flowers being stronger in the evening.
Angelonia in a pot with begonia and osteospermum. Sarah Cuttle
The best place to grow summer snapdragon is in a sheltered spot in full sun to dapped shade, in fertile and free-draining soil. Because the fragrance of angelonia flowers is stronger in the evenings, it’s a good idea to plant them in patio pots and close to seating areas.
Planting angelonia in a pot. Sarah Cuttle
Plant angelonia outside after all danger of frost has passed, spacing plants approximately 30cm apart in the ground, closer if growing in pots. In pots, use peat-free, multi-purpose compost and add perlite or coarse grit to increase drainage. Where pots or containers are standing on a hard surface, raise them just off the ground so any surplus water can drain away freely.
Pot-grown plants always need regular watering to keep the compost moist, but take care not to overwater. In the ground, water plants until they’re established, then water if needed during dry spells. You can boost flowering potential by feeding every four to six weeks a liquid fertiliser high in potash, but this isn’t essential.
On young plants, pinch out the shoot tips to encourage bushy growth. Angelonia is usually self-cleaning, shedding its dead flower heads, so cutting back is not required unless plants are needed to look especially tidy.
Angelonia is generally free of pest and diseases. Aphids may occur on plants being grown under cover, but should be left unless present in large numbers, and young plants may need protection from slugs and snails when first planted outdoors.
Angelonia Serena Series – flowers in shades of purple, pink and white. Height x Spread: 40cm x 35cm
Angelonia is a frost-tender perennial so is usually grown as an annual in the UK. The only way angelonia can be grown as a perennial in the UK is by growing plants in pots to bring into a frost-free greenhouse over winter.
