The Angelonia angustifolia is still an exotic species in German gardens, but can also be cultivated in beds, tubs or on the balcony.
Angelonia augustifolia provides a rich bloom and is suitable for beds, balcony boxes and flower tubs. This is a real rarity in this country, because the plant, which comes from Central and South America, is not yet widespread in our gardens. Easy to care for and undemanding, Angelonia blooms all summer long and will instantly win the heart of any garden lover.
Special features of Angelonia
Angelonia belongs to the figwort family and is at home in the tropics of Central and South America. The perennials enjoy rapid growth and can grow up to half a meter high. A German trivial name has not yet been able to naturalize due to its relatively low level of distribution. The English term "Summer Snapdragon" is common, from which the term "summer snapdragon" is derived. Plant lovers also like to refer to Angelonia as "Angel Face".
➔ Angelonia Usage
There are practically no limits to how you can use it. The blooming exotic embellishes borders and balcony boxes. Cultivation in plant pots is also possible. Angelonia tolerates pruning well and is an ornament in every colorful summer bouquet.
Angelonia - find the right location
Angelonia grows primarily in Mexico and South Africa. In our latitudes, the plant therefore needs a warm and sunny location. Furthermore, the plants should not be exposed to rain and wind without protection. If a location in full sun cannot be found, Angelonia can also be cultivated in semi-shade. However, restrictions in growth and flowering are to be expected.
The plants are actually perennial. In this country, however, the one-year cultivation has become more and more popular. If the window box is to be planted with Angelonia, it is better to wait until mid-May, because the cold-sensitive plant does not tolerate night frost.
➔ Angelonia Ground Claims
The fairly undemanding plants thrive in ordinary potting soil. Growth and flowering can be improved if the soil is loose loam orsand soil acts. If potting soil is mixed with mature compost, the ideal substrate has been found.
Planting Angelonia - step by step
- Find location
- Prepare the ground
- Note the planting distance
- Dig planting hole
- Insert plant
- Close planting hole
- Press the earth well
- Water the plant sufficiently
Note the planting distance
When planting, it is important to remember that Angelonia not only expands in height but also in width. So that the plants don't get in each other's way and don't get in the way of their neighbors, a minimum distance of 40 centimetres must be maintained.
The Angelonia is carefully placed in the prepared planting hole and then you fill up the substrate. After planting, the plants need sufficient water.
➔ The most important planting tips at a glance
| Activity | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Select Location | • sunny • warm • sheltered |
| Prepare substrate | • clean • loosen • add compost |
| planting | • Note the planting distance • Dig a generous planting hole • Water the plant sufficiently |
Care for Angelonia
➔ Water Angelonia
Angelonia angustifolia is watered regularly but moderately. Waterlogging must be avoided at all costs. During the blooming period, in the months May to October, the water requirement is increased.
» Tip: It is best to water in the morning and evening so that the plants can absorb the most water.
We always pour from below. It should be avoided to wet flowers and leaves with the irrigation water. The substrate may dry out slightly, but should never dry out down to the deeper soil layers. Avoid watering with tap water if possible. Rainwater is best for plants. If rainwater cannot be collected, leave the tap water for a while to allow the limescale to settle.
Potted plants have an elevatedwater demand. In summer it becomes necessary to water twice a day. Here, too, waterlogging is the greatest enemy of plants. If excess water has drained into the saucer, remove it after about 15 minutes. The plant has then supplied itself with sufficient moisture and the water accumulated in the saucer would only attack the roots.
➔ Fertilize Angelonia
The nutrient requirement of the angel face is rather moderate. As previously discussed, compost can be added to the potting soil. A manure made from the herb of the comfrey plant also has a beneficial effect.
» Tip: Flowering plants appreciate a dose of sparkling mineral water every now and then. It contains important minerals for growth.
➔ Cut Angelonia
Angelonia is one of the lush growing plants. Concrete cutting measures are not necessary. Don't forget to regularly remove faded parts of the plant. This encourages rebloom. If the angel face is often used as a cut flower, an increased need for nutrients is indicated. An additional dose of compost provides the plants with the energy lost through pruning.
➔ Overview of the most important care tips
| Activity | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Casting | • water regularly • avoid waterlogging • water from below • use rainwater |
| Fertilize | • moderate nutrient requirement • compost as a natural fertilizer • comfrey manure for general strengthening |
| Cut | • no pruning necessary • popular cut flower • removing faded flowers encourages rebloom |
Propagating Angelonia
Angelonia can usually be propagated without any problems and can be done by sowing and cuttings.
➔ Propagation by seed
Propagation by seed takes place in spring. The seeds obtained in autumn are placed in a bowl filled with potting soil and placed in a bright and warm window seat. The planter is regularly supplied with moisture. About a week goes by before the first seedlings appear.
» Tip: Angelonia augustifolia needs light to germinate. The seeds are therefore not covered with substrate, but only lightly pressed.
After pricking out, a slightly cooler location is advantageous. The soil must continue to be constantly supplied with moisture. From mid-May, the young plants can go to their final locationmove to bed or tub.
➔ Propagation by cuttings
- Cutting cuttings
- Prepare cuttings
- Plant cuttings
- Wait for rooting
- Plant out cuttings
The approximately 20 centimeter long cuttings are cut from the tips of the stems. A rooting hormone can be used to speed up rooting. The leaves are removed at the lower end of the shoot. The cutting is then placed in potting soil. A light and warm location will encourage rooting.
» Tip: If the cutting is given a plastic hood, a small indoor greenhouse with ideal growth conditions has been created.
At a temperature of around 22 degrees, the cuttings quickly form roots. This can be recognized by the fact that new leaves appear. The cuttings are left indoors and watered regularly until mid-May. If no more night frosts are to be expected, the plant can move outdoors.
Angelonia - Identifying and combating diseases and pests
If the plants are cultivated and cared for as described, they are rarely affected by diseases or pests. Every now and then aphids or gray mold make things difficult for the exotic flowering miracle.
➔ Fight aphids with home remedies
Soapsuds
Adding some soft soap to water has found an effective and environmentally friendly weapon against aphids. The solution is filled into a spray bottle and all affected parts of the plant are generously wetted with it. The application can be repeated several times without hesitation.
Stinging nettle broth
If aphid infestation is detected early, it can be reliably combated with nettle broth. The broth can also be used as a general tonic for all green and flowering plants. The solution is made by mixing 500 grams of nettle herb with five liters of water. This should sit for about a day and then immediately sprayed onto the aphid infested plants.
» Tip: In contrast to nettle manure, nettle broth is odorless.
Onions and Garlic
The essential oils of onions and garlic reliably drive away aphids. Add 20 grams of chopped garlic or finely chopped onion to two liters of water. The mixture is brewed and should steep for several hours. A sifted solution is created, which is now regularly sprayed onto the plants until the aphids have disappeared.
➔Gray mold attack
Gray mold is caused by Botrytis cinerea. The mold affects more than 200 host plants. The infestation can be recognized by a dusty fungus lawn that covers the plants. If the gray mold infestation is detected early, the chances of preventing Angelonia cell death are good. All affected parts must be removed immediately. If nothing is forgotten, the plants continue to grow he althily. Infested plant parts do not belong in the compost, but should be disposed of with the residual waste or burned.
Winter Angelonia
As already mentioned, in our latitudes, Angelonia is usually considered an annual plant and is therefore disposed of in autumn after flowering. However, overwintering is theoretically possible and the hobby gardener can enjoy the lush blooms again next year.
In autumn the plants are cut back to just above the ground. Angelonia cannot stay outdoors. Therefore, the plant is placed in a bucket from the border and transported to the winter quarters. The winter location should be bright and the temperature should ideally be around ten degrees. The plant must not dry out during the winter months and should be watered from time to time. Waterlogging must be avoided.
» Tip: Winter protection measures should be taken early. If the thermometer falls below ten degrees, Angelonia is already uncomfortable and there is a risk of frost damage.
If you want to overwinter the angel face in the bed, cut back the plant completely and cover the plant with a frost protection film. Without winter protection, the tropical flowering plants will not survive the cold season in beds, even in mild regions.