If you’re looking to add a splash of color with to your garden or container displays, consider growing Angelonia, affectionately known as the “summer snapdragon.” Here’s what you need to know to cultivate these delightful flowers in San Antonio.
Basic Growing Requirements for Angelonia:
- Light: Angelonia thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to flourish.
- Soil: A well-draining soil mix is essential. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH for optimal growth.
- Water: Angelonia does best with regular watering, but you should allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings.
- Fertilizer: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to promote healthy blooms.
- Pruning: Regular deadheading will really encourage more flowers, extending the bloom season all the way from spring through fall. It also keeps the plant looking tidy. Prune back any leggy growth to maintain shape.
- Winter Care: In San Antonio, Angelonia can often overwinter, allowing them to be treated as perennials. Protect them during colder spells by covering them with mulch, and using frost protection methods, or move container plants to a sheltered location. I pulled mine out of the garage in early spring, gave them a dose of fertilizer, and they have taken off.
More Growing Info for Angelonia
Pest and Disease Resistance:
Angelonia is a resilient choice for gardeners, as they don’t experience significant pest or disease issues, making them a low-maintenance option for your landscape.
Appearance and Colors:
These charming flowers can be found in an array of colors, including shades of purple, pink, blue, and white. With their upright growth habit and lush foliage, they can create a stunning visual impact in any garden. They range in size from 12-36″ T x 12-18″ W, depending on variety.
Additional Enticements:
Adding Angelonia to your landscape or container gardens not only enhances curb appeal but also attracts pollinators like butterflies, making your garden a lively haven. Their long blooming period from spring to frost ensures continuous beauty throughout the warmer months.
Consider incorporating Angelonia into your gardening plans for an easy-care, vibrant addition that brings joy and color to your outdoor spaces! I bet you love them!
Then Happy Gardener, Lisa Mulroy
And deer proof or resistant?
Hi Jo,
While I don’t have the personal experience, due to living in the suburbs where my landscape is protected from deer, Angelonia HAS been toted as being pretty deer resistant (barring of course, drought periods where deer are stressed and food is scarce). I’m linking this article from Dr. Jerry Parsons, a reliable source, about Angelonia Scroll to the bottom for hi take on deer resistance and Angelonia.
Arw Angelonias deer resistant?
Yes, they are toted as being deer resistant. See this article by Dr. Jerry Parsons and scroll to the bottom for his take on Angelonia and deer resistance.
Respectfully, I did not find that and had to locate all future plantings in the backyard, which is fenced. The deer devoured them in short order in front.
Hi Melody,
Thank you for your input. Deer are truly tricky creatures. Depending on the availability of food and water, they could go for anything! It also depends on herd. I’m glad you have a fence in the backyard to protect all your other plantings. We do appreciate hearing back from those who have tried and deal with deer on a regular basis.
Deer resistant/deer proof plants: Damianita which is blooming right now with its gorgeous total display of brilliant yellow flowers is totally deer resistant. This is a small woody plant about 18 inches or so tall, almost a round ball. It is very hardy. Mine is growing next to my stucco house in a very inhospitable, almost dirt-free area. I found one on the spillway of Canyon Lake growing out of the concrete!
Jody,
Yes! Damianita is a terrific deer resistant plant. Native plants are always the way to go for tried and true, resilient plants that handle our climate, soil, and deer issues.