Serena® Mix F1

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Plantaginaceae

Order

Lamiales

Genus

Angelonia

Species

angustifolia

Description

An ornamental herbaceous plant formerly belonging to the Scrophulariaceae family and now classified as a member of the Plantaginaceae; it has an erect habit and compact growth habit. It is known and appreciated by garden enthusiasts, gardeners, landscape architects and professional growers for its long, continuous flowering period from late spring to late summer/early autumn with a profusion of small flowers reminiscent of a lion's mouth, grouped in aesthetically pleasing spike-shaped inflorescences with different colour tones depending on the variety.

Its high rusticity, heat resistance and low maintenance requirements make it ideal for adding colour and elegance to spaces such as flower beds, borders, terraces and balconies, preferably exposed to the sun.

Species video

https://youtu.be/s9NWimHdvEg

Variety description

It is a very interesting plant for warm climates. It has an excellent, long lasting flowering throughout the summer and early autumn in the form of a panicle, good colour assortment ideal for flower beds or balcony trays.

Curiosities and special features

In the Anglo-Saxon world, it is referred to as Summer Snapdragon or 'summer lion's mouth' in reference to the profusion of flowers resembling small lion's mouths present throughout the summer.

The generic epithet, Angelonia, represents the vernacular name, i.e. the common name used to identify the plant in its geographical areas of origin where it is also used in traditional medicine, while the term angustifolia refers to the narrow shape of the leaf.

Origin and distribution

A species native to a vast geographic area including western India, Mexico, Colombia, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras and Jamaica where it grows wild in the tropical and subtropical biome; now widespread throughout Europe as an ornamental plant with an assortment of varieties with different flower shades and hues.

Flower size

The flower is individually small, clustered in showy inflorescences.

Leaf

Leaf has a lanceolate lamina.

Flowering period

Appreciated for continuous flowering from mid-spring to late summer for a duration of 90 to 150 days, giving a vibrant colour accent to your green spaces for a long time.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence spike.

Leaf colour

Solid colours.

Plant height

The plant height varies from 0.25 to 0.4 m, making it ideal as a first or second-stage plant in mixed compositions with other ornamentals.

Lifespan

Plant grown as a seasonal.

Where to plant

Very versatile, its high rusticity, ease of management as well as the decorative scale of its blooms make it the optimal choice for adding elegance and colour to green spaces such as flowerbeds, balconies, planters

Stem

The stem is herbaceous, the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in form, small in size, with a funnel-shaped corolla and petals with an eye. It is arranged in medium-sized spike-like inflorescences. It flowers from mid-spring to late summer, with a flowering period of between 90 and 150 days. It has sweet notes and is lightly scented, with a delicate aroma. It is attractive to bees and butterflies.

Growth

Growth is compact, ideal for creating dense, colourful groups in flowerbeds or borders.

Plant habit

Plant habit gives it a primary role in mixed compositions.

Branching

Medium branching, with a proportionate ratio of foliage to Inflorescence.

PH

For angelonia, the ideal pH of the Soil/medium is sub-acidic, with optimum values between 6.0 and 6.5.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting into the bed in mid- to late spring, carry out light digging, removing any weeds and bulky stones; if the soil appears too compact and heavy, bury sand. In addition, add professional substrate on the surface for approx. 5/10 cm and carefully level out by preparing the planting holes according to a suitable density.

Sun exposure

With half-shade, full Sun exposures it expresses the best Growth and flowering results.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 18 and 20 °C; it tolerates hot, even humid summer conditions well, showing some tolerance to drought.

Use

Due to its resistance to heat as well as its long flowering period, it is a widely used plant in
Outdoor ornamental

Hardiness

A variety with medium hardiness, it adapts to soil and climatic conditions that are not always favourable for the development of other flowering ornamentals.

Soil

For gardens and flowerbeds, it offers the best growth performance in a peaty, well-draining soil; for use in pots, a substrate for spring plants based on fibrous peat and perlite is recommended.

Difficulty

Cultivation is fairly easy, the level of management effort is low overall.

Growing tips

For best vegetative growth and lush flowering, it is recommended to

Expose the plant to maximum light

Combinations with other plants

Species suitable for creating homogeneous masses in flowerbeds or for creating harmonious compositions with other ornamentals such as Cineraria maritima, Cuphea, Gaura lindheimeri, Ipomea x hybrida, Lobularia maritima, Osteospermum, Pentas lanceolata, Vinca major with colour combinations of the same hue or with simultaneous contrasts, arranging the plants in different bands or height levels to create movement and sinuosity of the whole.

Planting

When transplanting into flowerbeds, care should be taken to space each specimen correctly for correct root development and consequently aerial development, obtaining proportionate final results; in detail, an average density of 12 plants per square metre is recommended. During planting, avoid sod completely and water immediately afterwards, but avoid excess watering.

Propagation

Multiplication is by sowing or by apical cutting.

Watering

Use rainwater, or alternatively aqueduct water with an optimal sub-acid pH, either manually or with an irrigation system. When transplanting, take extra care with the seedling which, in the new planting site, may be more exposed to water stress, ensuring constant humidity but not overdoing it. Thereafter, keep the soil or substrate moist at all times without causing stagnation which can lead to root rot and at the same time preventing dryness with consequent leaf yellowing. It is suggested not to water the inflorescences directly from above but to distribute water on the ground, preferably during the morning hours.

Fertilising

Fertilisers suitable for ornamental flowering plants are generally suitable to ensure suitable development and abundant flowering throughout the spring and summer season. Regular fertilisation with a balanced liquid fertiliser will encourage vegetation as well as the induction and emission of new flower shoots, allowing balanced growth between foliage and flowers.

Pet safety

Ingestion toxicity for dogs and cats not known; consider the specific case and consult with your veterinarian in case of ingestion.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Toxicity for humans

Ingestion toxicity to humans not known, do not take.

Tip

Avoid planting in dark or north-facing areas, water preferably at the foot and not above the Inflorescence.