Botanical Name: Angelonia angustifolia ‘AngelFlare™ Black’

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: Jet-Black to Deep Burgundy Foliage, Lavender-Purple Flower Spikes, Heat & Humidity Tolerant, Clean Foliage

Uses: Ideal for Containers, Annual Beds, Mixed Borders, Accent Plantings, and High-Contrast Designs

Patent: ✔ Patented

Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

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

More About Angelonia ‘AngelFlare™ Black’

Angelonia ‘AngelFlare™ Black’ stands apart from nearly every other Angelonia for one simple reason: the flowers themselves are genuinely black. Not “almost black,” not purple pretending to be black…this variety produces some of the closest-to-true black flower spikes you’ll find in a summer annual. In good light, the blooms read as inky violet-black, creating a dramatic look that’s extremely rare in heat-loving plants. The foliage itself is clean and green, acting as a neutral base that lets the flowers do all the talking. That contrast is intentional; Instead of competing with the blooms, the foliage steps back, allowing the dark flower spikes to remain the focal point.

As part of the AngelFlare™ Series, this variety was bred specifically for Summer performance—strong branching, consistent flowering, and the ability to keep going when temperatures climb. What really sold me on it was seeing it side by side with other dark annuals in the middle of August. Everything else had softened or dulled, but AngelFlare™ Black still looked sharp—clean spikes, deep color, and a plant that hadn’t lost its shape. That’s the moment I knew it wasn’t just unique, it was also dependable.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

AngelFlare™ Black has proven to be both visually striking and surprisingly easy to grow. It performs best in full sun, where the flower color reaches its deepest tones, and it continues blooming steadily without the need for deadheading. Even during prolonged heat, the plants stay upright, don’t stretch excessively, and keep producing fresh spikes rather than stalling mid-season. We have tested this plant In containers, and the near-black blooms are incredible paired with bright whites, silvers, and lime foliage—they sharpen everything around them. 

In the landscape, AngelFlare™ Black also works as an accent plant that adds depth and sophistication to summer beds without overwhelming neighboring colors. Pollinators still visit regularly, which is a bonus for such a dramatic flower, and disease or pest issues have been minimal in our experience. If you’re looking for something different—something that doesn’t rely on novelty foliage or gimmicks—Angelonia ‘AngelFlare™ Black’ delivers. True dark flowers, reliable Summer performance, and a look you simply don’t see often.

AngelFlare™ Black vs Other Angelonia

AngelFlare™ Black distinguishes itself primarily through color depth when compared to AngelFlare™ Orchid Pink. Where Orchid Pink prioritizes luminosity, AngelFlare™ Black delivers darker, more dramatic blooms. When compared to AngelFlare™ Cranberry, which leans rich and saturated with deep red tones that read bold and vibrant, while AngelFlare™ Black again offers a more dramatic, high-contrast look.

It also differs significantly from the lateral growth of Angel Mist™ Spreading White, which focuses on coverage rather than visual contrast. Compared to the larger-scale presence of Archangel™ Dark Purple, AngelFlare™ Black stays more compact and refined. For gardeners seeking maximum contrast and a bold, high-impact color statement, AngelFlare™ Black is unmatched. Its controlled habit, intense pigmentation, and polished look make it ideal for containers and accent plantings where deeper color is more important than size or spread.