Summer Snaps: Angelonias

Looking for water-wise, heat-loving plants? Consider Angelonias. They deliver that snapdragon look during the summer: tall spires about a foot high with blooms cascading down in purples, lavenders and whites. Summer snaps flourish in the seasonal heat and are reasonably drought tolerant. Since each tall plant sports a narrow base, plant them in a little tightly—about 8 inches apart.

Angelonias will bloom continuously throughout the summer and do well where petunias or annual salvias thrive. Give them sun and water them lightly—be careful not to let them dry down to the bone between waterings. Use Angelonia as a focal point in the landscape or as a centerpiece in a larger container.

As you can see, a mix of Angelonias is pretty cheery right off the tray. You can also use them to build monochromatic gardens, like the white gardens we discussed earlier. Notice how clean the white is; you can also use the lavender for softer color mixes.

Consider Angelonias as a rotating crop for Wave Petunias. Mix them with lantanas, annual salvias or some Euphorbia ‘Diamond Frost’.