How to Grow Angelonia (Summer Snapdragon)
Angelonia is one of my favorite easy-care flowers for summer. I’ve had plants last for several seasons, even through tough Arizona summers. It’s one of those flowers I don’t have to think about because it always looks good. The blooms keep coming, even when other flowers fade in the heat.
Also known as summer snapdragon, Angelonia is a beautiful, heat-tolerant plant that blooms reliably from late spring through fall. It’s a low-maintenance, long-blooming favorite that adds dependable color to any sunny spot.
What You’ll Learn in This Post:
- When to plant Angelonia in your region (and in hot climates)
- How to plant and care for Angelonia transplants
- Sun, soil, and watering needs
- Best garden design tips and plant companions
- Container growing tips for Angelonia
- Links to helpful flower-growing guides
Look for the “Hot Climate Tips” throughout the post for extra tips if you live in a hot climate
What Is Angelonia?
Angelonia (Angelonia angustifolia), commonly called summer snapdragon, is a warm-season annual or tender perennial that thrives in full sun and high temperatures. The upright flower spikes resemble snapdragons, but unlike true snapdragons, Angelonia loves the heat.
These are often called summer snapdragons, but if you’re looking to grow the classic snapdragons that prefer cooler weather, check out my guide on how to grow snapdragons.
It’s available in a range of colors—white, pink, purple, blue, and bicolors—and grows 12 to 24 inches tall depending on the variety. The plants are self-cleaning (no deadheading!), attract pollinators, and resist deer and rabbits.
Angelonia can be grown as a perennial in frost-free areas or treated as an annual in other locations.
When to Plant Angelonia
Plant Angelonia after the danger of frost has passed and once the soil has warmed. In most areas, that’s mid-spring through early summer.
- Cooler zones (6–8): Late April through early June
- Warm zones (9–10): March through July
- Short growing season zones (3–5): After last frost; treat as annual
In the low desert (zones 9b–10a):
Plant Angelonia from March through July as transplants. Avoid planting during a heatwave. Earlier planting gives roots time to establish before the hottest part of summer.
Should You Start from Seeds or Transplants?
You can grow Angelonia from seed, but I usually pick up transplants instead. The seeds are tiny, need light to germinate, and take a couple of months to grow before they’re ready to plant out. Transplants are easy to find in spring and start blooming quickly, which makes them an easier option for most gardeners.
If you end up starting from seed, let me know if you give it a try. I haven’t started seeds for this one before.
Angelonia doesn’t mind transplanting and quickly fills in after planting. Choose healthy nursery plants with strong stems and avoid rootbound ones. (I gently pull out the plant and peek at the roots.)
Hot Climate Tip
Nurseries in hot climates often carry Angelonia as a spring and summer bedding plant. Look for it near other heat-tolerant options like vinca.
How to Plant Angelonia
Add angelonia to containers, raised beds or even in-ground areas. Here’s how to plant it:
- Choose a location with full sun (at least 6–8 hours daily).
- Amend the soil if needed for good drainage.
- Dig a hole the same depth as the root ball and slightly wider.
- Gently remove from the container and loosen roots if circling.
- Place in the hole, backfill, and water well.
Spacing:
- 12–18 inches apart in beds
- One plant per 10–12 inch pot or grouped in larger containers
Optional: Pinch back the tips after planting to encourage bushier growth. This can set the plant back for several weeks from blooming, but you do end up with a bushier plant.
Light, Soil, and Water Requirements
Angelonia loves the sun. I’ve found it always does best in spots that get plenty of direct sunlight. Afternoon shade is nice, but not absolutely necessary. If the plant is well established, it tolerates afternoon sun.
Good drainage is important. If your soil tends to hold water, mix in compost to help loosen it up. I’ve had great success growing Angelonia in raised beds and containers filled with the raised bed mix from Arizona Worm Farm.
Keep the soil evenly moist, especially right after planting. Once the plants are established, I let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again. Water at the base to keep the leaves dry and avoid any issues.
Hot Climate Tip
As summer heats up, check containers daily. Angelonia can handle heat, but not drying out. A thick layer of mulch helps conserve moisture.
Fertilizer and Maintenance
I usually add a little compost and worm castings when I plant Angelonia, and that’s often enough to keep it growing well. In containers, I’ll feed the plants once a month with a flower fertilizer if they start to look tired. Just don’t overdo it; too much nitrogen means more leaves and fewer flowers.
Angelonia is low-maintenance. You don’t need to deadhead it, which I love. The flowers just keep coming on their own. If the plants become a little leggy, I give them a quick trim. Cutting them back by about a third helps them bounce back with fresh growth and more blooms.
Hot Climate Tip
Hold off on cutting Angelonia back during the hottest part of the summer. Once nighttime temperatures start to drop, give the plants a good trim. This helps them bounce back with fresh growth and a beautiful flush of blooms in the fall.
They’re usually pest-free, but I keep an eye out for aphids or spider mites during really dry stretches. A quick spray with the hose usually does the trick.
Can Angelonia Survive Winter?
Angelonia is frost-sensitive. In warm zones, it may return from the roots if not killed by freezing temperatures.
Hot Climate Tip
If a freeze is expected, cover your plants overnight to protect them. Learn how to do this here:
How to Protect Plants from Freezing Temperatures
Garden Design Ideas and Companion Plants
Angelonia’s upright shape and long bloom time make it really easy to use in borders, beds, and containers.
Here are a few of my favorite ways to plant it:
- Tuck it into the middle of a flower bed, with smaller plants in front
- Use it as the “thriller” in a container garden to add height and color
- Plant several together in a sunny spot for a big, colorful statement
Great companions include:
- Vinca
- Verbena
- Zinnias
- Gomphrena
- Lantana
- Dusty miller
- Sweet potato vine
Growing Angelonia in Containers
Angelonia is a top choice for container gardening, especially on sunny patios or balconies.
Container tips:
- Use a pot at least 10–12 inches wide
- Ensure it has drainage holes
- Fill with quality potting mix.
- Fertilize monthly
- Water frequently in hot weather
Hot Climate Tip
To help with watering, I like to add an olla to my larger containers. It slowly releases water right at the roots, which keeps the soil more evenly moist. I use the ones from GrowOya, and they work really well for hot, dry conditions.
Learn more in: Container Gardening for Beginners
Want More Heat-Tolerant Flower Ideas?
Angelonia is one of many flowers that handle summer heat. For more inspiration, check out:
Final Thoughts on Growing Angelonia
Angelonia is a standout performer in warm-season gardens. It thrives in full sun, handles heat, and blooms continuously with little effort. It’s a reliable, colorful addition that deserves a spot in your garden.
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