June 23, 2007
Plant of the Week
by
David Rodriguez
Serena Angelonia, “The Summer Snapdragon”
Native to Mexico and the West Indies, angelonia (sometimes also called summer snapdragon) is an upright, glabrous, somewhat bushy, tropical perennial that is noted for its long summer bloom of small snapdragon-like flowers. Plants typically grow 12-18″ tall. Stems are clad with narrow, oblong to lanceolate, green leaves (to 3″ long) with toothed margins. Foliage is slightly aromatic. Bluish-purple flowers (each to 3/4″ across) bloom from late spring to early fall in narrow terminal spikes (up to 8″ long). The two-lipped flowers are somewhat reminiscent of snapdragon. Cultivars are available in lavender, lavender pink, purple, white and mixed colors.
Other noted features:
- Serena selection from Ball seed tends to be one of the best selections for Central/South Texas.
- A carefree continuous bloomer, ideal for garden beds and borders, as well as large decorative containers.
- Makes a very nice cut flower.
- Has deer resistant qualities.
Serena grows best when planted in full sun (at least 6 hours/day). Keep soil moderately moist and feed two-to-three times each month with a water soluble 6-12-6 a fertilizer analysis.
Serena angelonia would be a great added feature for every ones garden and landscape this summer.
Remember, Learn and Have Fun!
David Rodriguez is County Extension Agent-Horticulture, Bexar County. For more information, call the Master Gardener ‘Hotline’ at (210) 467-6575 or visit our County Extension website at http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu, click under Horticulture and Gardening.
