Angelonia Plant Growing Tips: How To Care For Summer Snapdragons

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Angelonia plants, are a genus of 30 plus species. These herbaceous plants grow in semi-arid and arid habitats from Argentina to Mexico.

The beautiful flowers look like snapdragons earning Angelonias the name summer snapdragons.

Flowering Angelonia plants - aka Summer SnapdragonsPin

These look like finicky, delicate plants but are rather low maintenance. There are both annual and perennial varieties. The USDA hardiness zones for this plant are 9 – 11.

The most common variety is Angelonia Angustifolia. Angelonias belong to the Plantaginaceae family. Relatives include Veronica spicata and Russelia Equisetiformis (firecracker plant).

Angelonia Plant Care

Angelonia Size & Growth


The Angelonia plants grow around 18” inches high, and the foliage often gives off an apple fragrance.

Flowering and Fragrance

Angelonia flowers grow on the tips of the main upright stems. Flower color range from light pink, white, bluish-purple, and even bicolor.

Summer snapdragons look great in flower beds. They do not need deadheading to create a constant display of breathtaking bloomers.

Light & Temperature

Angelonias prefer full sun to give them the energy needed for continuous bloom.

Plants need six hours of direct sun daily, or they start becoming leggy, and the blooms are sparse.

Summer snapdragon love high humidity and hot weather. They grow best in southern areas, with humid conditions. They grow well in Southwest areas, provided they receive extra watering.

Angelonia Care: Watering and Feeding

Plant Angelonia is drought tolerant. It is essential to let the soil to dry out between waterings. Give plants water when the soil surface becomes dry.

Feed Angelonia plants with light liquid fertilizers every month. Avoid over fertilizing. High nitrogen fertilizer results in overgrown foliage and reduced flowers.

Soil & Transplanting

The summer snapdragon tolerates a range of soils as long as it is well-draining.

Reduce fertilizing and watering by planting in soil with lots of organic matter. The ideal pH level of the soil is acidic, between 5.5 and 6.2.



  • A soil with good drainage helps avoid the rotting of the roots.
  • Moist soil helps the growth of young seedlings.
  • Angelonia plants grow well in containers or raised beds.

Grooming and Maintenance

Angelonias are low maintenance and don’t need a lot of work.

If plants start sprawling during the summer season, trim them to around half the height. Pruning allows them to regrow and produce more flowers.

How To Propagate Angelonias

Propagate Angelonia from seeds or stem cuttings.

Starting Angelonia From Cuttings

  • Cut out about 3” inches of the stem tip, with no flowers.
  • Remove all leaves except the top ones. The stem is not strong enough to support extra foliage.
  • Dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone
  • Place the cutting in moist soil
  • Keep cuttings while rooting in a bight but shaded location
  • Once rooted and new leaves start to form, transfer the plants to the garden.
  • Space plants about 12” inches apart.
  • Place plants in direct sun or partial shade

Plant as a bedding plant during late spring or a few weeks after the last frost.

Angelonia Bugs, Pest or Diseases

Aphids are the main pest issue of Angelonia plants. Aphid populations are strongest during the initial growing season.

Prevent pests with a light spray using insecticidal soap or Neem oil twice weekly.

Be on the lookout for powdery mildew as well.

Summer Snapdragon Uses

As bedding plants, Angelonias are excellent in flower beds or growing in containers. Angelonia flowers create a striking garden display when used in borders.

They are deer-resistant, attract hummingbirds, work well in window boxes and make stunning cut flowers.

Many new hybrids have been developed over the last few years. Several of the new varieties or series include:

  • Angelonia Serena series spreads quick adding plenty of color to containers and planters.
  • Angelonia Angelface® Blue is a popular variety with blush-purple flowers.
  • The annual Angelonia Serenita™ series features compact flowers and produces multiple spikes.
  • Angelonia AngelMist is a compact spreading blue variety. Perfect for small spaces and container gardens.