Angelonia Has Strong Pollinator Appeal
Also known as the Summer Snapdragon, Angelonia is a standout in sunny gardens thanks to its upright flower spikes, vibrant blooms, and incredible heat tolerance. Pollinators are naturally drawn to Angelonia, and its nectar-rich, tubular flowers become an important food source during the hottest months of summer. In this Garden Blog, we’ll take a closer look at how Angelonia supports pollinators, share practical tips for attracting them to your garden, and highlight the best Angelonia varieties for maximizing pollinator activity.
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By: Reggie Meehan (12/30/2025) - Last Updated (2/5/2026)
Angelonia Attracts All Pollinators
Angelonia is one of those rare Summer bloomers that seems to charm every kind of pollinator—from bees to butterflies to hummingbirds. Once it starts blooming, it draws in steady activity from bees, butterflies, and even the occasional hummingbird, especially during the hottest stretch of the Sumer when other plants start to take a break.
Bees and Angelonia
Bees are Angelonia’s most consistent visitors. Native bees and bumblebees, in particular, seem to love the tubular flowers packed with nectar and keep coming week after week. Honeybees do visit too, but the real action comes from larger native bees that can easily work their way into those narrow blooms.
On warm afternoons, it’s common to see bees moving up and down the flower spikes, working methodically from bloom to bloom. That steady traffic tells me the plant is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do. If you want to encourage even more activity, plant Angelonia in full sun and avoid using chemical pesticides or systemic treatments.
Butterflies and Angelonia
From what I’ve noticed over the years, butterflies definitely make their way to Angelonia, just not as often as bees. The main culprits are butterflies with longer proboscises like Swallowtails, Skippers, and Sulfurs. The upright flower spikes of Butterflie give them an easy place to land, and once they settle in, those tubular blooms offer a steady nectar reward that keeps them moving up and down the plant. It’s not usually a quick visit either; when butterflies show up, they tend to work the spikes thoroughly.
Angelonia really shines when it’s part of a bigger pollinator picture. I like pairing it with wide, open annual flowers like Zinnia or Cuphea, which butterflies naturally gravitate toward first. Together, those plants create variety—different flower shapes, heights, and nectar sources—which keeps butterflies around longer instead of just passing through. Since Angelonia blooms steadily from Spring into Fall, it helps support butterflies during their peak activity months, and its blues, purples, pinks, and whites add just enough color variation to make a butterfly garden feel lively without being overwhelming.
Angelonia and Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds also visit Angelonia, especially when it’s planted in generous groupings or tucked in near other plants they already favor. While it may not stop them in their tracks the way that Agastache 'Blue Boa' does, those tubular blooms are still very much on their radar—particularly once Summer heat limits other nectar options. I tend to notice the most activity when Angelonia is planted out in the open, where the birds can easily spot it as they move through the garden.
Angelonia checks a lot of boxes hummingbirds look for: upright flower spikes, tubular blooms, and steady nectar production. Varieties in richer tones—reds, purples, and magentas—seem to get the most attention, especially during peak summer when hummingbirds are feeding constantly. I like using Angelonia as a supporting player rather than the star, planting it near proven hummingbird magnets like Salvia or Agastache. Together, they create a layered nectar buffet that keeps hummingbirds circling back all season long.
Angelonia Belongs in a Pollinator Garden
Angelonia does more than just look good—it earns its place as a hard-working, pollinator-supporting plant. From its non-stop blooming to its pest resistance and ease of care, it’s an ideal addition to pollinator gardens.
Key Benefits for Pollinators
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Long Bloom Period: Flowers from late Spring through the first frost
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High Nectar Value: Especially beneficial during summer heatwaves
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Attracts Multiple Pollinator Types: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
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No Deadheading Needed: Keeps blooming with little effort
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Low Maintenance: Drought-tolerant and deer-resistant
How to use Angelonia in Pollinator Gardens
When I’m using Angelonia in a pollinator garden, I always start with sun. Full sun is where it really hits its stride—plants grow stronger, flower more heavily, and produce the most nectar. To really maximize pollinator activity, I always skip pesticides, plant Angelonia alongside other proven nectar plants, and lean into blue and purple varieties, which consistently draw more attention from bees and butterflies.
Pair With Other Pollinator Plants
When I’m using Angelonia in a pollinator-focused planting, I prefer to keep it all in the annual lane so everything grows, blooms, and performs on the same rhythm. Angelonia pairs beautifully with other heat-loving annual nectar plants like Pentas, creating a planting that stays active and colorful from late Spring until frost.
One combination I loved was Angelonia Archangel™ Dark Purple paired with Pentas ‘Lucky Star’ Mix. The tall, saturated purple flower spikes of Archangel™ Dark Purple give the planting structure and depth, while Pentas fills in below with constant clusters of star-shaped blooms that bees absolutely flock to.
Avoid Using Pesticides
I’m also careful about what I don’t use in these areas. Synthetic pesticides and heavy chemical fertilizers can undo all the good you’re trying to create, so I avoid them whenever possible. I stick with compost, gentle organic fertilizers, and a more hands-off approach that lets beneficial insects do their job. When Angelonia is grown clean and naturally, it becomes a steady, dependable stop for pollinators—and the garden feels healthier and more alive because of it.
Use Pink and Purple Varieties
When I’m choosing Angelonia for pollinator plantings, I always lean heavily into our pink and purple selections because they consistently draw the most activity. Varieties like AngelFlare™ Orchid Pink are magnets for bees, while the softer blues and violets keep butterflies working the flower spikes throughout the day.
You can also include Archangel™ White or Alonia™ Big Snow as contrast plants—those bright white blooms act like visual beacons, helping pollinators spot the planting from a distance and keeping everything balanced visually. Mixing these colors together doesn’t just make the garden look better, it creates a more active, layered nectar source that supports a wider range of pollinators from morning through evening.
Angelonia Draws Bees, Butterflies, and Hummingbirds
Angelonia is a surprisingly powerful pollinator plant that quietly supports bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds all summer long. Its colorful, tubular flowers produce nectar-rich blooms from spring through fall, making it a dependable and decorative choice for sunny gardens. Whether you're planting containers, filling a border, or designing a full pollinator bed, Angelonia deserves a place in your garden. It’s beautiful, tough, low-maintenance—and humming with life.