Angelica

Description

Angelica archangelica – angelica

Botanical name: Angelica archangelica
Common names: Angelica, garden angelica
Family: Apiaceae (carrot family)
Plant type: Biennial or short-lived perennial herb
Habit: Tall, upright, bold and architectural
Pot size: 1 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 1.5–2m tall × 0.9m spread in flower
Foliage: Large, divided, bright green aromatic leaves
Flowers: Large, domed umbels of tiny greenish-white flowers on tall, stout stems in early summer of its second year (June–July)
Scent: Aromatic foliage and stems
Aspect / light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist, fertile, humus-rich; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H5 (hardy, to about −15°C); USDA zones 4–9
Exposure: Sheltered or open
Native range: Native to northern and eastern Europe
Toxicity / pet & child safety: The sap can cause skin irritation and sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity) in some people; handle with care and wear gloves

Angelica archangelica is a magnificent, architectural herb forming bold clumps of divided aromatic foliage topped by large domed flowerheads on statuesque stems. Superb for structure and pollinators in moist borders.

GardenAdvice notes

A magnificent, statuesque herb, angelica is grown for its bold architectural presence — big, divided aromatic leaves and, in its second year, towering stout stems carrying great domed umbels of greenish-white flowers. Usually biennial or short-lived, it makes a dramatic focal point in a moist border or herb garden, and its flowers are a magnet for beneficial insects. It typically flowers in its second year, then sets seed and dies, often self-seeding to continue.

Growing & planting

Plant in autumn or spring in moist, fertile, humus-rich soil in full sun to partial shade, where the ground stays reliably moist. Give it room to develop its bold size. Space about 60–90cm apart. It resents dry soil and appreciates a cool, moisture-retentive position.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance. Keep the soil moist. As a biennial or short-lived perennial, it usually flowers in its second year and then dies; leave some seedheads to self-sow if you want it to continue, or remove them to prolong the plant’s life a little and prevent excessive seeding. Stake in exposed spots, as the tall stems can catch the wind.

Propagation

• Seed: Sow fresh seed in autumn — angelica seed is short-lived and germinates best when fresh. It self-seeds readily.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free. Aphids and leaf miner can occasionally affect the foliage, and slugs may graze young growth. Otherwise robust in moist, fertile soil.

Uses in the garden

Superb as a bold architectural focal point in moist borders, herb gardens, wildlife gardens and naturalistic plantings, where its statuesque form and pollinator-friendly flowers make a real statement.

Wildlife value

The large flower umbels are superb for wildlife, providing abundant, accessible nectar and pollen for bees, hoverflies, and many beneficial insects; the seeds are taken by birds.

Toxicity & safety

Angelica’s sap can cause skin irritation and photosensitivity (a reaction to sunlight) in some people, as with other members of the carrot family. Wear gloves and cover up when handling or cutting it, especially in bright weather.

GardenAdvice tip

Angelica is a wonderful architectural plant for a moist border or herb garden — those huge domed flowerheads on tall stems are dramatic and absolutely alive with pollinators. Remember it’s usually biennial, flowering and then dying in its second year, so leave a few seedheads to self-sow and it will keep going. Wear gloves when cutting it, as the sap can make skin react in sunlight.

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