Angelon (Angelonia): A Colorful Non-Native Addition to Your Garden
If you’re looking for a plant that blooms non-stop through the heat of summer, angelon might catch your eye. Also known by its botanical name Angelonia, this cheerful little flowering plant has been making its way into American gardens, though it’s not originally from around here.
What Exactly is Angelon?
Angelon is a forb – basically a soft-stemmed flowering plant without woody growth. Think of it as an herbaceous perennial that behaves more like an annual in most of the United States. It produces small, snapdragon-like flowers that come in shades of purple, white, pink, and blue, creating a delightful display throughout the growing season.
Where Does Angelon Come From?
Here’s where things get interesting from a native gardening perspective. Angelon is native to Puerto Rico, but it’s considered non-native to the continental United States and most of the Pacific Basin. Currently, you can find it growing in Florida, Ohio, Palau, and Puerto Rico, where it has established itself and reproduces without human intervention.
The Appeal of Angelon
So why do gardeners gravitate toward this non-native plant? Several reasons make it attractive:
- Continuous blooming from spring until frost
- Heat and humidity tolerance
- Low maintenance requirements
- Compact, bushy growth habit
- Attracts butterflies and bees
- Works well in containers and borders
Growing Conditions and Care
If you decide to grow angelon, it’s refreshingly easy to care for. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining soil. It’s quite forgiving – once established, it can handle some drought, though regular watering keeps it looking its best.
In USDA hardiness zones 9-11, angelon can behave as a perennial. In cooler zones, treat it as an annual that you’ll replant each year. The good news? It doesn’t require deadheading to keep blooming, though you can trim it back if it gets leggy.
Garden Design and Landscape Use
Angelon works beautifully in several garden settings. It makes an excellent border plant, creates lovely container displays, and can even serve as a colorful ground cover. It fits particularly well in cottage gardens and tropical-themed landscapes where its continuous blooms add consistent color.
A Word About Native Alternatives
While angelon offers undeniable garden appeal, consider exploring native alternatives that provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems. Native plants often require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance once established, and they provide crucial habitat and food sources for native wildlife.
Some native alternatives to consider include wild bergamot for butterfly attraction, native penstemons for similar flower shapes, or local wildflower mixes that bloom throughout the season.
The Bottom Line on Angelon
Angelon isn’t invasive or problematic, but it’s not native to most of North America either. If you choose to grow it, you’ll get a reliable, colorful performer that asks for very little in return. Just remember that incorporating native plants alongside or instead of non-natives helps create gardens that truly support local wildlife and ecosystems.
Whether you’re drawn to angelon’s easy care or its cheerful blooms, understanding its origins helps you make informed decisions about your garden’s impact on the local environment.
