Angelica archangelica

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angelica

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Other common names

angel's fishing rod, archangel, aunt Jericho, ground ash, Holy Ghost, root of the Holy Ghost, St Michael's flower

Synonyms

Angelica officinalis

Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial Annual Biennial
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A robust, upright perennial to about 2m tall, often grown as a biennial, with aromatic, 2 to 3 pinnate, mid-green leaves to 60cm in length. Rounded umbels to 25cm across of greenish to pale yellow flowers appear in early to midsummer

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H6

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Apiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Clump forming
Genus
Angelica are large biennials or herbaceous perennials, some monocarpic, with pinnately or palmately divided leaves and small white or purple flowers in large umbels
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Europe, Asia, N Hemisphere

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in deep fertile soil, avoiding hot, dry positions. Staking may be needed in exposed sites. It is more likely to be perennial if prevented from setting seed. Can be very variable in size. See how to grow angelica for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in a cold frame with good light, as soon as ripe. Move seedlings when young as older plants resent disturbance

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

Susceptible when young to damage from slugs, snails, aphids and leaf miners

Diseases

Susceptible to Powdery mildews