Summer snapdragon Angelonia angustifolia Angelmist Lavender Bicolor = 'Balanglabi' (PBR) (Angelmist Series)

Water

The Summer Snapdragon, when cultivated, requires consistent moisture but should not be overwatered. It's best to water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Water thoroughly until excess water drains out, which should be roughly once a week, depending on the climate and humidity. During hotter, drier periods, more frequent watering may be necessary, about twice a week. Typically, using about a gallon of water per plant should be sufficient to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Light

Summer Snapdragon thrives in full sunlight, which means it needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun each day. Choose a spot in the garden or on your property that receives plenty of sun throughout the day with minimal shade. Avoiding overly shaded areas will ensure the plant grows healthily and produces plenty of its vibrant blooms.

Temperature

Summer Snapdragon operates well in a wide range of temperatures, but prefers warmer climates. It can survive minimum temperatures down to 30°F, but growth may be stunted in cooler temperatures. The plant is happiest in a range somewhere between 70°F and 85°F, and maximum temperatures for healthy growth should not exceed 90°F. Avoid placing it in locations where temperatures could dip below freezing, as this can damage the plant.

Pruning

Pruning Summer Snapdragon is essential for encouraging bushier growth and more blooms. Deadheading, or removing spent flower spikes, will stimulate new flowers to form. It's typically recommended to prune or pinch back the tips of the stems occasionally to promote branching, which you can do every few weeks during the active growing season. The best time for more extensive pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Summer Snapdragon, or Angelonia angustifolia, thrives best in a well-draining potting mix with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. A good soil recipe would be a blend of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite in equal parts to ensure proper drainage and aeration. Regular garden soil should be avoided as it can retain too much water and lead to root rot.

Repotting

Summer Snapdragon should be repotted annually or when it outgrows its container. Check the root system in spring before new growth starts; if roots are circling the pot, it's time to repot in a slightly larger container.

Humidity & Misting

Summer Snapdragon prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to lower humidity environments. Avoid overly humid conditions as this can promote fungal diseases.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Summer Snapdragon in bright, indirect light indoors.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun to partial shade outdoor for best growth.

• Hardiness zone

  9-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of Angelonia angustifolia 'Balanglabi', commonly known as Summer Snapdragon, begins with seed germination, which requires warm temperatures and light. After germination, the seedlings grow into juvenile plants with characteristic foliage and begin vegetative growth. As they mature, they enter the flowering stage, producing lavender-bicolor blooms that attract pollinators. Following pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules containing seeds that can be dispersed to create new plants. Gradually, as environmental conditions become less favorable, the plant enters senescence, where growth slows and the plant may die back, particularly if faced with frost or prolonged cold. In milder climates or with protection, Angelonia may persist through winter, re-sprouting from the crown in spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Summer

• Angelonia angustifolia Angelmist Lavender Bicolor, commonly known as Summer Snapdragon, is typically propagated through stem cuttings. The most popular time to propagate is during the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate through cuttings, a grower will select a healthy stem that is about 3 to 5 inches (approximately 7.6 to 12.7 centimeters) long and cut it just below a leaf node using a clean, sharp pair of scissors or a knife. The lower leaves are then removed and the cutting is dipped in a rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then planted in a moist, well-draining potting mix and covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagation chamber to maintain high humidity around the cutting. It usually takes several weeks for the cutting to root, after which it can be transplanted to a permanent location.