June 2024

Summer snapdragon’s name is somewhat misleading. Summer snapdragon, Angelonia angustifolia, is not even closely related to the common snapdragon, Antirrhinum majus, which is a cool season favorite of many.

A common name that makes sense to use is its Latin name Angelonia, therefore that is what I prefer to use. Angelonia is native to Central and South America and the West Indies where it flourishes in heat and humidity. 

There are several varieties of Angelonia on the market with heights ranging from 12 to 18 inches. There are a select few reaching 24 to 36 inches. Mature widths are nine to 12 inches. Then, there are low-profile varieties that range from four to 10 inches tall, and 12 to 20 inches wide. Blooming is continuous all summer long in locations with full sun and organically-rich, mildly acidic, well-draining soil.

Here at BGO, we planted 3 low profile varieties, AngleFlare™ Black, Cranberry and Orchid Pink. The fourth one is a taller type (18 inches), AngleFlare™  Blue. You will find all four of these planted in beds and containers throughout the garden. Once you see them, they will be a must have, but… they are not available to home gardeners until the 2025 gardening season. The Garden has an opportunity to grow plants not yet available on a trial basis. Ball Seed Company provided these for us to grow and report back to them on their performance. So far they look outstanding!

Come to the Botanical Garden this summer and make your own evaluations on these new Angelonias. They just might make your must have list for your next summer garden.

Berni Kurz

Director of Horticulture

Botanical Garden of the Ozarks