How to Grow Angelface Purple
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Angelface Purple
Angelonia angustifolia 'Angelface Purple'
flowerAngelface Purple is a compact, heat-loving annual flower featuring vibrant purple blooms that resemble miniature snapdragons. This cultivar is known for its continuous flowering throughout the growing season and exceptional tolerance to heat and drought. It's a popular choice for borders, containers, and mass plantings in hot climates.
When should you plant Angelface Purple in your zone?
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Example Angelface Purple timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Angelface Purple
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Angelface Purple blooms
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Angelface Purple dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-10; excellent annual for hot summer regions
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Seedling
10-14 daysTiny green seedlings emerge with cotyledons; very small and delicate
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light (fluorescent or grow lights). Maintain 70-75°F for germination.
Vegetative Growth
20-30 daysPlant develops true leaves and establishes a compact, bushy form with multiple stems
Pinch growing tips when 3-4 inches tall to encourage branching. Gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions if starting indoors. Fertilize every 2 weeks with balanced fertilizer.
Pre-flowering
15-20 daysPlant continues to fill out with denser foliage; flower buds begin to form at branch tips
Continue light fertilizing. Maintain consistent watering. Plant outdoors after last frost danger passes.
Flowering & Blooming
60-90+ daysTall flower spikes with purple blooms appear continuously; plant becomes covered in flowers from mid-summer through fall
Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming. Water regularly during hot spells. Apply balanced or bloom-promoting fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Watch for pests.
Late Season/Frost
Until first frostFlowering continues until first frost; plant deteriorates in freezing temperatures
Continue deadheading as long as blooms appear. Reduce fertilizer as season winds down. Remove plant after frost in cold climates.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7-10 days. Remove heavily infested leaves. Encourage beneficial insects.
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Increase humidity with misting. Spray with miticide or neem oil. Rinse foliage with water to dislodge mites.
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Ensure good air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur dust or fungicide if severe. Remove affected leaves.
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Spray with water to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Plant near garlic or chives to deter.
Uses
Non-edible ornamental
CulinaryWhile not edible, Angelface Purple is commonly used in fresh flower arrangements and as a long-lasting cut flower due to its sturdy stems and continuous blooms. [source]
Container and landscape design
HouseholdIdeal for containers, window boxes, borders, and mass plantings. Its compact form and vibrant color make it a focal point in mixed gardens and formal or cottage garden designs. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeThe abundant purple flowers attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial insects throughout the blooming season, making it valuable for pollinator gardens. [source]
Dried flowers and crafts
CraftFlowers can be dried for crafting and floral arrangements. The spikes retain their shape and color reasonably well when dried in a cool, dark location. [source]
Harvest Tips
Angelface Purple is ornamental and not typically harvested for consumption. Deadhead spent flower spikes regularly to encourage continuous flowering and maintain shape. Cut stems can be used in fresh flower arrangements. Pinch back leggy growth in mid-season to rejuvenate the plant.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Angelonia is sometimes called 'summer snapdragon' because its flowers resemble true snapdragons but are technically unrelated and belong to the Plantaginaceae family rather than Scrophulariaceae.
- 🌱 Angelface Purple was specifically bred for heat tolerance and extended bloom time, making it superior to older angelonia varieties in hot, dry climates—it can withstand temperatures well above 90°F with minimal stress.
- 🌱 This cultivar is sterile, meaning it produces few or no seeds, which directs all plant energy into continuous flower production rather than seed development, resulting in exceptionally prolonged blooming.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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