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Herbaceous PerennialAnnual Biennial

Angelica gigas
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

purple angelica

A robust biennial or short-lived perennial about 1-2m tall, with mid-green leaves to 40cm long, composed of diamond-shaped leaflets, and branched, reddish-purple stems bearing large, dense umbels to 12cm across of deep purple flowers in late summer and early autumn

Other common names
Korean angelica
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Green
Summer Purple Purple Green
Autumn Purple Purple Green
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Apiaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
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
Japan, Korea, China

How to grow

Cultivation

The ideal position is a deep, moist, loamy soil in full or partial shade but it can tolerate drier conditions if mulched. A short-lived perennial.

Propagation

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails, leaf miners and aphids

Diseases

Susceptible to powdery mildews

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