The “summer snapdragon”, better known as Angelonia, is a great warm-season flower that grows from one to three feet tall and produces three-quarters to almost one-inch wide white, blue, white, lavender, purple, and pink flowers arranged on narrow, eight-inch spikes. While true snapdragons grow best in our cooler winter weather, Angelonia is the real deal – a warm-weather, drought-tolerant plant that does well in the landscape, in containers, and as a cut flower. Angelonia are especially nice when used on the edge of a border. Available in many garden centers in season, Angelonia is a good bedding plant to use for reliable summertime color.
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 for mass planting. 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. In 1998 the Florida Nursery Growers & Landscape Association named the Angelonia cultivar, ‘Hilo Princess’ a “Plant of the Year”. There are also a number of 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. ‘Angelface® Blue’ is a cultivar that has done well in field tests here in Florida. Keep in mind that patented plants cannot be propagated commercially without a license from the patent holder.
Ecologically, pollinators such as bees and butterflies favor this dependable flowering bedding plant, so expect these visitors. One interesting final note on Angelonia is their smell. When crushed, the leaves smell to some people just like grape soda! Angelonia is Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ approved, is not considered invasive, takes the heat and still gives a show – all great characteristics for this coming summer! For more information on all types of flowering plants for your garden suitable for our area, or to ask a question, please visit https://www.facebook.com/CharlotteCountyExtension. You can also call the Master Gardener Volunteer Helpdesk 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. Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov. Connect with us on social media. Like us on Facebook @CharlotteCountyExtension and follow us on Instagram @ifascharco.
Resources:
UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions (2026) Angelonia. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
Schoelhorn, R. & Alvarez, E. (2002) Warm Climate Production Guidelines for Angelonia. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
The Florida Green (1998) Winter. Florida Plants of the Year. https://archive.lib.msu.edu/tic/flgre/article/1998win60.pdf
The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Guide to Plant Selection & Landscape Design. (2022) The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas. Angelonia angustifolia
Smith, E. (2025) Find room for Angelonia ‘Angelface’ series in gardens. Mississippi State University Extension Service.
Williamson, J. (2013) Angelonias – Summer Snapdragons. HGIC Horticulture Extension Agent, Clemson University
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