Angelica archangelica
Garden angelica, Wild parsnip, Archangel
Also known as Angelica officinalis
- Height × spread
- 2m × 1.2m
- Position
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, likes light shade
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Flowers
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a spectacular biennial which grows up at a great rate. It has broad spreading bright green foliage forming a divided conical shape. On the top of this statuesque foliage there are rounded inflorescences and then greenish yellow seed heads. The plant has a lovely aromatic scent in all its parts, roots included. The seeds have an essential oil that is used to flavour chartreuse. The stems are candied to make angelica which is used in cakes. Laplanders used to make crowns from angelica, and these were placed on poets in the belief that the fragrance would inspire them.
- Flower colour
- Green, Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Autumn foliage
- Yellow
- Stem colour
- Green, Grey
- Fruit colour
- Yellow
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, herbal-aromatic
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 2m
- Spread
- 1.2m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer
- Flowers in
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Small scale garden, Scented garden, Prairie garden, Herb garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, likes light shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Architectural, Bee attraction, Bird attraction
- Hazards
- No
- Pet safe
- Yes – listed in our pet-safe plants
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Spring-Autumn · Planting
Trim dead flowers to prevent self-seeding
Note on self-seeding: If you do not want this plant to set seed it is necessary to promptly remove the spent flowers as they fade.
It's possible to carefully remove the seed heads, complete with seed, and then place them in areas where you would like new seedlings to grow.