How to Grow Angelonia 'Tradewind Purple'
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Angelonia 'Tradewind Purple'
Angelonia angustifolia 'Tradewind Purple'
flowerAngelonia 'Tradewind Purple' is a heat-loving annual flower known for its striking deep purple spikes of delicate blooms. This cultivar produces abundant, fragrant flowers on upright stems and thrives in hot, sunny conditions, making it ideal for summer gardens and containers. It attracts pollinators and provides continuous color from spring through frost.
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Example Angelonia 'Tradewind Purple' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Angelonia 'Tradewind 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 Angelonia 'Tradewind Purple' blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Angelonia 'Tradewind Purple' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives as an annual in zones 2-11; can be perennial in zones 9-11
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Seedling
10-14 daysTiny leaves emerge with cotyledons; seedlings are delicate and upright.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright, indirect light indoors. Maintain temperatures 70-75°F for optimal germination.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops narrow, lance-shaped foliage and stronger stems. Growth is rapid under warm conditions.
Harden off seedlings 1-2 weeks before transplanting outdoors. Pinch growing tips once or twice to encourage bushier growth. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
Flowering Initiation
2-3 weeksFlower spikes begin forming at stem tips; first buds appear.
Continue regular watering and fertilizing. Provide full sun. Begin deadheading to encourage continuous flowering.
Peak Flowering
8-12 weeks (June-September in most zones)Plant is covered with deep purple flower spikes. Blooms are abundant and fragrant.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to extend bloom. Water consistently. Feed with bloom-boosting fertilizer (higher phosphorus) every 2-3 weeks.
Senescence & Frost
Until frostFlowering continues until first hard frost, then plant dies back.
Continue deadheading to maintain blooms as long as possible. In warmer zones (9-11), cut back by half in fall and protect for potential overwintering.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Increase humidity around plants.
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization.
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering. Remove affected plants. Use well-draining soil mix.
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Provide good air circulation; water at soil level only. Spray with sulfur or neem oil if needed.
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryAngelonia flowers are technically edible and have a mild, slightly sweet flavor. They can garnish salads, desserts, or beverages for visual appeal, though they are not commonly cultivated for culinary purposes. [source]
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
CraftThe tall, elegant spikes of purple flowers make 'Tradewind Purple' an excellent choice for fresh and dried flower arrangements. Stems last 7-10 days in a vase and add height and structure to bouquets. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeAngelonia flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The spikes provide abundant nectar and pollen, making this cultivar excellent for supporting pollinator populations in summer gardens. [source]
Heat & Drought Tolerant Landscaping
Household'Tradewind Purple' is ideal for xeriscaping, hot sunny spots, and low-water gardens. Its ability to thrive in poor conditions and poor soil makes it a reliable choice for water-wise landscaping and difficult garden areas. [source]
Container & Patio Gardens
HouseholdThe compact, upright growth habit and continuous flowering make this cultivar perfect for containers, window boxes, and patio displays. Its heat tolerance means it performs well in sun-baked spots where other flowers struggle. [source]
Harvest Tips
Deadhead spent flower spikes regularly by pinching or cutting just below the faded blooms. This encourages continuous flowering throughout the season. Cut stems for fresh arrangements when spikes are half-open. Angelonia blooms continuously without seed setting, so aggressive deadheading is beneficial.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Angelonia is sometimes called 'Summer Snapdragon' because of its similar flower spikes, but it is not a true snapdragon—it's a member of the Plantaginaceae family.
- 🌱 The 'Tradewind' series was specifically bred for extended bloom and heat tolerance, making these cultivars more reliable and floriferous than older Angelonia varieties.
- 🌱 Angelonia is native to Mexico and South America, which explains its exceptional heat and drought tolerance compared to many other annual flowers.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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