Guide for Growing Angelonia Plants
Angelonia, a frost-tender perennial native to Central and South America, is a popular annual bedding plant in the UK. Known for its vibrant, fragrant blooms and easy care, this sun-loving plant is an excellent choice for adding colour and scent to your garden.
Growing
Angelonia prefers a sheltered spot in full sun to dappled shade, with rich, free-draining soil. It thrives when watered to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Established plants in the ground require watering mainly during dry spells.
In the UK, angelonia is usually grown as an annual or potted plant that can be moved indoors to a frost-free greenhouse over winter. If you'd like to grow it as a perennial, pot-grown plants can be brought indoors and overwintered.
Care
Pinch out shoot tips on young plants to encourage bushy growth. Angelonia is typically self-cleaning and doesn't need deadheading, but can be pruned for tidiness. Feed every 4-6 weeks with a liquid fertilizer high in potash to boost flowering, though this is not essential.
Watch for aphids, especially on plants grown under cover, and protect young plants from slugs and snails when planted outside.
Buying
Angelonia can be obtained from seed, plug plants, or ready-to-plant garden plants. Seeds are very fine and fiddly, so buying plants from nurseries or online is usually easier. Since angelonia is relatively new and less common in garden centres, online suppliers may offer a better selection.
Always check plants for signs of disease or damage before planting. The 'Serena Mix' angelonia is available from Dobies.
Additional Note
Angelonia thrives in warm climates (US zones 9-11), so in the UK, it must be treated as an annual outdoors or overwintered indoors when grown in pots. Varieties like the Serena Series offer flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white and grow to about 40cm high and 35cm spread, making them suitable for containers or beds.
Remember, angelonia flowers appear for a long period, typically from early summer to autumn, especially when grown in full sun. It's a good idea to plant summer snapdragons in patio pots and close to seating areas due to their evening fragrance.
When growing angelonia in pots, use peat-free, multi-purpose compost and add perlite or coarse grit to increase drainage. Raise pots or containers just off the ground so any surplus water can drain away freely.
In conclusion, with its vibrant colours, delightful fragrance, and easy care, angelonia is an excellent choice for adding a touch of summer to your garden. Whether you choose to buy it as a seed, plug plant, or garden-ready plant, you're sure to enjoy its stunning blooms.
