Botanical Name: Angelonia angustifolia ‘Alonia™ Big Snow’

Common Name: Summer Snapdragon

Hardiness Zone: Annual in Most Climates; Perennial in Warm Regions (USDA Zones 9–11)

Size: 18–24" Tall × 14–18" Spread

Growth Habit: Upright, Well-Branched, Bushy Habit

Sunlight: Thrives in Full Sun

Soil: Prefers Well-Drained Soil; Adapts to Average Garden Soils

Water Needs: Moderate; Drought Tolerant Once Established

Bloom Season: Late Spring through Frost

Fertilizer: Light, Regular Feeding During Active Growth

Features: Large Pure White Flower Spikes, Heat & Humidity Tolerant, Clean Foliage, Pollinator Friendly

Uses: Ideal for Annual Beds, Containers, Mixed Borders, Mass Plantings, and Commercial Landscapes

Patent: ✔ Patented

Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

See our complete Angelonia Growth & Care Guide for full care details.

More About Angelonia ‘Alonia™ Big Snow’

Angelonia ‘Alonia™ Big Snow’ stands out at first glance from our other Angelonia selections—the flower spikes are larger and thicker than standard Angelonia, and the white is genuinely bright. But what really sold me on Big Snow is how well it holds that color when conditions are far from ideal; heat, humidity, blazing sun—this plant doesn’t blink. While many white annuals thin out or look tired by mid Summer, Big Snow keeps a clean, polished look long after other plants have given up. 

‘Alonia™ Big Snow’ is part of the Alonia™ Big series, and that context matters. This series was bred specifically to improve on older Angelonia types—stronger branching, thicker stems, larger flowers, and better performance under stress. Big Snow brings all of those improvements together in a color that’s deceptively hard to execute well. Clean white flowers in Summer are typically unforgiving, but this variety gets it right.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

After rigorously testing out ‘Alonia™ Big Snow’ here in the Upstate of South Carolina, we have found it to be a standout in full sun and summer heat. It establishes quickly, doesn’t stretch or fall apart mid-season, and keeps producing fresh flower spikes right up until frost. The foliage stays clean, disease pressure has been minimal, and it holds its shape without constant trimming—which matters when you’re planting at scale. What I also appreciate is how versatile it is. 

Big Snow works beautifully as a vertical “thriller” in containers, adds clean structure in mixed borders, and really shines when used in mass plantings where that bright white can break up heavier summer colors. Bees visit it regularly, and it pairs easily with almost anything. If you’re looking across the Alonia™ series, Big Snow fits right alongside other strong performers like Big Lavender, Big Pink, Big Purple, and Big Blue. Each brings the same upright habit and heat tolerance, just in different color directions. Big Snow is the one I reach for when a planting needs lift, clarity, and a little breathing room visually—especially in the peak of summer when most whites struggle to keep up.

Alonia™ Big Snow vs Other Angelonia

Compared to the AngelFlare™ Series, Big Snow is noticeably taller, more vigorous, and more architectural in the landscape. While the AngelFlare™ varieties emphasize bold color and controlled height, Big Snow is bred for presence and scale. It also grows more upright and dominant than the spreading habit of Angel Mist™ Spreading White.

For gardeners who want height, brightness, and a strong vertical backbone in beds or large containers, Alonia Big Snow clearly separates itself from the rest. It ultimately outpaces both Archangel™ White and Archangel™ Dark Purple in overall plant mass. While other varieties shine in color saturation or spread, Big Snow excels at commanding space and anchoring designs, making it especially effective as a focal plant or backdrop.