Snapdragons in Texas:  Heat Hardy and Thriving

Another great addition to the Texas garden are the new heat hardy snap dragons.  These began blooming in mid-March and have a full month of bloom left!  They come in multiple colors and expand each year.   They really come after the tulips and daffodils and are great to follow them.

Snap dragons begin blooming significantly before the Iris and azaleas.  Grow these with cushion mums for fall color and bright spring green foliage!

Snapdragons in front of Dusty Miller (which are generally perennial in North Texas) and iris blooming in the background.

Snapdragons in front of Dusty Miller (which are generally perennial in North Texas) and iris blooming in the background.

Lee-Ann-Torrans-Texas-SnapDragons-Late-March-Texas
These Snapdragons are before the Large Cone Flower which has yet to bloom, Pampas Grass in full bloom and cedars. This image was taken in mid-May.

The Angelonia (Angelonia angustifolia), commonly known as Summer Snapdragon, has been designated as a Texas Superstar® plant. This recognition is awarded by Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Service to plants that demonstrate exceptional performance in Texas’s challenging growing conditions. Angelonia is celebrated for its heat tolerance, long blooming season, and minimal maintenance requirements, making it a reliable choice for Texas gardeners .​

Snap Dragons in Texas Mid-March Heat Hardy

Snap Dragons in Texas Mid-March Heat Hardy

Snap Dragons in Texas Mid-March Heat Hardy

Snap Dragons with Dianthus.  Good combination.
Snap Dragons in Texas

Snap Dragons in Texas

This homeowner fills their yard with Fox Glove, Lupine, Snap Dragons and Dianthus.
Snapdragons Mid-May in Texas before Pampas Grass

Snapdragons in front of Pampass Grass.

Lee-Ann-Torrans-Texas-SnapDragons-Late-March-Texas
Snapdragons bloom before lupine and with Dianthus.  Immediately below are dianthus.
Dianthus blooms with snapdragons

Dianthus blooms with snapdragons

Dianthus - April - Texas Perennial

Dianthus blooms begin in late February and early March

Read more about Dianthus here which create a good blooming companion landscape.
Snapdragons_Texas_Perennial_Lee_Torrans-3

Snapdragons heat hardy

Texas Perennial - Dianthus and Snapdragons

Snapdragons heat hardy

A Texas Superstar

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has identified several snapdragon varieties and related plants that perform well under Texas conditions.

Texas Superstar® Plants

Snaptastic Mix

This compact, bushy variety offers vibrant colors such as pink, red, orange, yellow, and white. Its well-branched growth habit makes it ideal for edging, small garden spaces, or containers. The mix is appreciated for its long blooming season and is particularly suitable for Texas gardens.

Texas Master Gardener Program

Angelonia ‘Serena’ Series

Often referred to as “summer snapdragon,” Angelonia ‘Serena’ is a heat-tolerant alternative that thrives in Texas summers. It produces snapdragon-like flowers in shades of purple, pink, white, and lavender. Growing 12–18 inches tall, it blooms from late spring through early fall and requires minimal maintenance.

These selections have been recognized for their adaptability and performance in Texas landscapes.

Q: Where can I grow Angelonia (Summer Snapdragon)?

A: Angelonia thrives in hot, sunny climates and is especially well-suited for the southern U.S., including Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and parts of California and Arizona. It performs best when planted in full sun, and tolerates heat and humidity better than many other bedding plants.


Q: What USDA zones is Angelonia suitable for?

A: Angelonia is typically grown as an annual in USDA Zones 8 and below, but it can be a tender perennial in Zones 9–11, depending on winter temperatures. In Zone 9, it may survive mild winters with mulch or protection.


Q: Is Angelonia drought-tolerant and heat-hardy?

A: Yes. Angelonia is one of the most heat-tolerant annuals, making it a top performer in Texas summers and other regions with long, hot seasons. Once established, it tolerates dry spells, though regular watering encourages blooming.


Q: Does Angelonia need full sun to thrive?

A: Yes, Angelonia needs at least 6–8 hours of full sun daily to produce the tall, colorful flower spikes it’s known for. In too much shade, it will become leggy and flower less.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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