Plant Encyclopedia

Other Names:  Summer Snapdragon

Group/Class:  Archangel Series

Brand:  Ball

Description:

An amazing show of deep, dark purple snapdragon-like flowers all summer; has an upright and dense growth habit ; perfect for cottage gardens, borders, and containers; water frequently and thoroughly in hot weather

Ornamental Features

Archangel™ Dark Purple Angelonia has masses of beautiful spikes of deep purple pea-like flowers rising above the foliage from late spring to late summer, which are most effective when planted in groupings. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its small fragrant narrow leaves remain green in color throughout the year.

Landscape Attributes

Archangel™ Dark Purple Angelonia is an herbaceous annual with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary, such as to remove dieback. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Archangel™ Dark Purple Angelonia is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Border Edging
• General Garden Use
• Container Planting
• Hanging Baskets

Planting & Growing

Archangel™ Dark Purple Angelonia will grow to be about 10 inches tall at maturity extending to 14 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 12 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 10 inches apart. Although it's not a true annual, this fast-growing plant can be expected to behave as an annual in our climate if left outdoors over the winter, usually needing replacement the following year. As such, gardeners should take into consideration that it will perform differently than it would in its native habitat.

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. It can be propagated by cuttings; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

Archangel™ Dark Purple Angelonia is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor containers and hanging baskets. It is often used as a 'filler' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination, providing a mass of flowers against which the larger thriller plants stand out. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.