Many gardeners still have not heard of the Angels Orchid because it is a new cultivar. It is a relative of the old snapdragon but as the heat of summer arrives instead of wilting like it’s cousin, Angelonia Angelmist simply gets better and better. And it will continue to show it’s orchid-like blooms until the first frost.

The genus includes roughly 30 species, but the Mexican native A. angustifolia, is a really first-class annual garden plant. It's a sub-shrub, meaning it gets bushy and full but its sturdy stems seldom reach much above 2ft. Its charm is a long-running display of mid- to late-summer flowers that are small, gracefully lipped, and very abundant toward the end of the stems.

The plant likes good drainage, full sun and thrives on heat. It is drought tolerant, great for containers and makes a strong colour statement in garden beds. Angelonia Angelmist is also a wonderful cut flower, lasting 10 days or longer in vase arrangements. It is a popular addition to cutting gardens because cutting promotes blooming.

Selection and Care

Plant in full sun location, approximately six to twelve inches apart, in slightly fertile, moist, well-drained soil. A light pinch at planting time results in well-branched plants.

Water regularly but don't over fertilize as that creates lots of leaves, few flowers and weak stems. If plants get tall, cut them back. Angelonia Anglemist will tolerate damp, moist areas as long as it gets sun.