Description
Angelonia ‘AngelFlare Black’: A Bold Summer Bloom You’ll Love
If you’re looking for a bold, low-maintenance flower that thrives in summer heat, look no further than the Angelonia ‘AngelFlare Black’. This stunning plant delivers deep, dramatic purple-black blooms that catch the eye and last all season long.
Often called the summer snapdragon, this plant is part of the Angelonia angustifolia family. It’s loved for its upright shape, long-lasting flowers, and ability to shine even during hot, dry weather. The Angelonia plant is an excellent choice for flower beds, containers, and sunny borders.
In this easy-to-read guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about growing and caring for Angelonia ‘AngelFlare Black’. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, this guide will help you enjoy this beautiful plant all season long.
What Is Angelonia ‘AngelFlare Black’?
Angelonia ‘AngelFlare Black’ is a variety of Angelonia angustifolia, a plant native to Central and South America. It’s known for its upright growth habit and colorful blooms that look like miniature snapdragons—hence the name summer snapdragon.
The “Black” in its name refers to the flower’s rich, dark purple color that almost appears black in the right light. These flowers bloom on tall stems and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Why Gardeners Love Angelonia
Here are a few reasons why the Angelonia flower is becoming a garden favorite:
- Long blooming season – blooms from late spring to the first frost
- Heat and drought tolerant – thrives in hot, dry summers
- Low maintenance – little to no deadheading needed
- Great in containers or beds – easy to grow in many settings
- Pollinator friendly – attracts bees and butterflies
Where to Plant Angelonia
The Angelonia plant loves full sun. That means it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. It does best in garden beds, borders, and large containers where it has room to grow upright.
This variety grows about 12 to 18 inches tall and about 12 inches wide, making it perfect for the front or middle of your garden layout.
Ideal locations:
- Along sunny walkways
- In raised beds
- In pots on patios or balconies
- Mixed into sunny perennial gardens
How to Plant Angelonia ‘AngelFlare Black’
Planting Angelonia is simple. You can start with nursery-grown plants or, if you’re adventurous, try growing from seed indoors. Most gardeners choose starter plants for faster results.
Step-by-step planting guide:
- Choose a sunny spot – full sun is best.
- Prepare the soil – well-drained soil is key. If your soil holds water, mix in compost or sand.
- Dig a hole – make it twice the size of the plant’s root ball.
- Place the plant – set it in the hole at the same level it was in the pot.
- Backfill and water – gently pat the soil and give it a deep watering.
- Mulch – add a thin layer of mulch to keep roots cool and stop weeds.
Watering and Feeding
Angelonia ‘AngelFlare Black’ is drought-tolerant once established, but that doesn’t mean it should go dry too long.
Watering tips:
- First few weeks: Keep soil consistently moist.
- After established: Water once or twice a week during dry spells.
- Container plants: May need water more often, especially in heat.
Fertilizing:
Feed your Angelonia plants with a balanced flower fertilizer once a month. Look for a slow-release formula or use a liquid fertilizer diluted in water. This will keep the Angelonia flower blooming strong all season.
Pruning and Maintenance
This is where Angelonia really shines—it’s low maintenance.
You don’t need to deadhead the flowers, which means no tedious picking of old blooms. The plant cleans itself by dropping old flowers and pushing out new ones on its own.
Optional care tips:
- Mid-season trim: If the plant looks leggy, cut it back by a third to encourage fresh growth and more flowers.
- Support: In windy areas, consider using a small stake to support taller stems.
Pests and Problems
The Angelonia plant is pretty tough and doesn’t attract many pests. But just in case, here’s what to watch for:
- Aphids or whiteflies: Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.
- Root rot: Caused by poor drainage. Make sure the soil drains well.
- Powdery mildew: Rare in full sun, but if leaves look powdery, improve air circulation.
Overwintering and Propagation
In zones 9 to 11, Angelonia can survive as a perennial. In colder zones, it’s grown as an annual.
Want to enjoy this plant again next year? Try these tips:
- Take cuttings: In late summer, take a 4-inch cutting from a healthy stem, dip it in rooting hormone, and plant it in moist soil indoors.
- Grow from seed: Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost.
Angelonia in the Landscape
Here’s how you can use Angelonia ‘AngelFlare Black’ in your garden design:
- Mass plantings: Create a bold purple-black sea of color.
- Mix with other colors: Pairs beautifully with yellow marigolds, white petunias, or silver dusty miller.
- Container thriller: Use it as the tall “thriller” in a container combo.
This plant is all about adding drama and contrast. The nearly-black blooms add depth to any planting plan.
Angelonia ‘AngelFlare Black’ is more than just a pretty face. It’s a tough, heat-loving bloomer that gives back all summer long. With its bold color, upright habit, and no-fuss care, it’s a perfect pick for sunny gardens and patios.
So if you’re ready to add a show-stopper to your summer lineup, go with this Angelonia angustifolia variety. Whether you’re planting it in beds or containers, you’ll love the constant color and ease of care.
Key Takeaways:
- Angelonia flower = summer-long color with little effort
- Thrives in full sun, tolerates heat and drought
- No need to deadhead, just plant and enjoy
- Great for beds, containers, and pollinator gardens
- Dark, bold blooms make a dramatic impact
Ready to add Angelonia ‘AngelFlare Black’ to your garden?
