Angelonia ‘Serenita Mix’

Angelonia angustifolia ‘Serenita Mix’

Characteristics

Culture

Angelonia ‘Serenita Mix’ is ideal for very hot and humid night temperatures in southern areas. More compact and manageable than Serena in hot climates. Serenita is an ideal choice for mixed containers where a more compact Angelonia is desired that will grow as an annual flower. Angelonia ‘Serenita Mix’ produces multiple spikes lined with dainty, orchid-like flowers in colors of lavender, lavender pink, pink, purple, raspberry, sky blue, and white. This plant prefers moist, fertile soils with good drainage, although it has some drought tolerance. Good tolerance for summer heat and humidity. Plants grown in containers may be difficult to overwinter indoors.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Angelonia angustifolia, commonly called angelonia or summer snapdragon, is native to Mexico and the West Indies. It is an upright, glabrous, somewhat bushy, tropical perennial that is noted for its long summer bloom of small snapdragon-like flowers. Angelonia ‘Serenita Mix’ typically grows 12-14 inches tall. Stems are clad with narrow, oblong to lanceolate, green leaves (to 3” long) with toothed margins. Foliage is slightly aromatic. Flowers (each to 3/4” across) bloom from late spring to early fall in narrow terminal spikes (to 8” long). The two-lipped flowers are somewhat reminiscent of snapdragon.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Watch for aphids and powdery mildew.

Garden Uses

Grow as annuals massed in beds and borders. Also appropriate for containers.  Needs no deadheading or spraying but flowers best with a shot of fertilizer formulated for flowers every few weeks, especially in pots.