Purple angelonia (Angelonia spp.) is a stunning flowering plant that adds vibrant color to gardens and landscapes. When it comes to determining whether purple angelonia is a perennial or an annual, it depends on the climate in which it is grown.
In regions with mild winters and frost-free conditions, purple angelonia is considered a tender perennial. This means that it has the potential to survive and regrow year after year in the right conditions. Specifically, it is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11, where the temperatures remain relatively warm throughout the year.
I have personally experienced the joy of growing purple angelonia as a tender perennial in my garden in zone 9. The plants thrived during the warm months, producing an abundance of beautiful purple blooms that attracted butterflies and bees. However, it is important to note that even in these favorable conditions, angelonia may still experience some dieback during colder months.
On the other hand, in colder climates where freezing temperatures are common, purple angelonia is typically grown as an annual. This means that it is treated as a temporary, one-season plant that will not survive the winter. Gardeners in these regions often choose to replant purple angelonia each spring to enjoy its vibrant blooms throughout the summer and fall.
I have also had the opportunity to grow purple angelonia as an annual during a summer visit to a friend’s garden in a colder climate. It was a delightful addition to her flower beds, providing a burst of color alongside other annuals. We enjoyed its cheerful presence throughout the summer, knowing that it would not survive the winter.
To summarize, purple angelonia can be considered a perennial in mild, frost-free regions (zones 9 to 11), where it has the potential to regrow year after year. In colder climates, it is grown as an annual and will not survive freezing temperatures. Whether as a perennial or an annual, purple angelonia adds a touch of beauty and charm to any garden or landscape.
