Botanical Name: Angelonia angustifolia ‘Archangel™ Dark Purple’

Common Name: Summer Snapdragon

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

Size: 24–36" Tall × 16–20" Spread

Growth Habit: Tall, Upright, Strongly Branched 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: Deep Dark Purple Flower Spikes, Exceptional Heat & Humidity Tolerance, Strong Stems, Clean Foliage

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

Patent: ✔ Patented

Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

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

More About Angelonia ‘Archangel™ Dark Purple’

Angelonia ‘Archangel™ Dark Purple’ is a premium, large-growing summer snapdragon prized for its rich, saturated purple blooms and commanding vertical presence. The tall flower spikes are densely packed and held on thick, sturdy stems that stay upright even in high heat and summer storms.

As part of the Archangel™ series, this variety was bred for maximum vigor, strong branching, and superior performance in demanding conditions. Unlike smaller Angelonia selections that function mainly as fillers, ‘Archangel™ Dark Purple’ is designed to anchor plantings, adding height, depth, and dramatic color that lasts from late spring through frost.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, ‘Archangel™ Dark Purple’ has proven to be exceptionally reliable in full sun, maintaining its height and structure without staking. It establishes quickly, blooms early, and continues producing flower spikes steadily throughout the summer, even during prolonged heat and humidity.

We especially like how effective it is in large-scale designs. It excels in mass plantings, mixed borders, and oversized containers where strong vertical impact is needed. The dark purple blooms pair beautifully with whites, silvers, and bright summer colors, while the foliage remains clean with minimal disease or pest pressure.

Archangel™ Dark Purple vs Other Angelonia

Compared to AngelFlare™ Black, Archangel™ Dark Purple delivers similar depth of color but on a larger, more substantial plant. It grows fuller and heavier than the AngelFlare™ Cranberry and AngelFlare™ Orchid Pink selections, while remaining more controlled than the towering Alonia™ Big Snow. Unlike AngelMist™ Spreading White, which spreads outward, Dark Purple maintains a strong, upright form suited to larger beds and mass plantings.

For gardeners who want bold color paired with serious garden presence, Archangel™ Dark Purple stands apart from the rest. It anchors landscapes visually, holds its own in large-scale designs, and offers a premium alternative to smaller, more compact Angelonia varieties.