If you are looking for a deer-resistant, heat-loving flower (perennial in frost-free climates) that comes in a palette of blues, pinks, purples, and white—go with angelonia. This flower is almost foolproof and laughs at hot and humid summers. It likes sun and moisture, and it is a magnet for butterflies and bees. It is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 9–11.
In the 1990s, the new compact angelonias came on the market. They were originally bred from gangly Angelonia angustifolia, a native to Mexico and the West Indies. Sometimes called summer snapdragon due to its two-lipped flowers and upright, spiky posture, angelonias are a great complement to other flowers. Most varieties are 12 to 18 inches high and can be used in flower beds, containers, and window boxes. They are a natural “thriller” plant for the center of a planter due to their upright nature and constant blooming.
There are many wonderful cultivars to try. The ‘Angelface’ series by the Proven Winners brand of plant propagators is semi-upright and has extra-large, brilliantly colored blooms. It grows around 2 feet high. ‘Angelface’ has a slight grape soda fragrance. The ‘Archangel’ series has exceptionally larger flowers and a well-branched habit with glossy dark green leaves. Its flower colors include raspberry, dark purple, coral, dark rose, and orchid pink.
The ‘Serenita’ series is exciting because it is a seed-propagated series with tough, long blooming plants that grow to only 10 to 14 inches tall. The ‘Serenita’ angelonia flowers are even more compact than the popular Serenas, and they have small fragrant narrow leaves, giving them a fine texture.
The pristine white blossoms of ‘Archangel’ white angelonia stand on tall stems in front of a hedge of clipped boxwood. It blooms happily from late spring until frost with little deadheading. Needs sun. I planted it here with blue ageratum as an edging. Boxwood, angelonia, and ageratum are all deer resistant.
Angelonia angustifolia, or summer snapdragon, is a vigorous flowering plant with upright spike flowers that may sprawl but do not need staking. It comes in a range of cool colors that brighten up summer flower beds. Angelonia is resistant to heat, drought, deer, and rabbits. It does not need deadheading. It also makes a great long-lasting cut flower.
Butterflies and bees love zinnias. These nectar- and pollen-laden flowers will bloom until hard frost, providing food for beneficial pollinators for a long period. The bigger-flowered zinnias have petals that act like landing pads for butterflies. Tall hot pink zinnias seem to get the biggest draw.
‘Queen Red Lime’ zinnias (Zinnia elegans ‘Queen Red Lime’) have fully double flowers, up to 3 inches wide. They feature petals that shade from maroon at the base to lime green around the central cone. It inserts antique rose and vintage pink into a bed. This plant is tall and well branched. Grows up to 40 inches. It blooms until October.
White and red zinnias are breathtaking in summer. The white blooms brighten up an evening garden under a full moon.