Overview
Angelica archangelica is a bushy, clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Angelica, part of the Apiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 1-1.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Angelica archangelica grows best in partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include architectural, wildflower meadow, cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens. It is native to Europe, Asia and N Hemisphere.
About
Angelica archangelica is a sturdy perennial that typically reaches heights of around 2 meters, but it is often cultivated as a biennial. Its leaves are 2- to 3-pinnate, measuring up to 60 centimeters long and displaying a mid-green hue. In early to midsummer, this plant produces rounded flower clusters, or umbels, that can measure up to 25 centimeters in diameter, featuring greenish to pale yellow blossoms.
About the genus
Angelica consists of sizable biennials and herbaceous perennials, with some species being monocarpic. They feature leaves that are either pinnately or palmately divided and produce small white or purple flowers clustered in large umbels.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Angelica
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Angelica archangelica size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial, Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Bushy, Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Wildflower meadow, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Europe, Asia, N Hemisphere
- Fragrance
- Foliage
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Angelica archangelica
- 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.
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering
- 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
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible when young to damage from slugs, snails, aphids and leaf miners
- Disease resistance
- Susceptible to powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Angelica archangelica?
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.
Where is the best place to plant Angelica archangelica?
Angelica archangelica prefers partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Angelica archangelica need?
Angelica archangelica grows best in clay and loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Angelica archangelica?
Cut back after flowering.
How big does Angelica archangelica grow?
Angelica archangelica reaches a height of 1.5-2.5 metres and a spread of 1-1.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Angelica archangelica hardy in the UK?
Angelica archangelica has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Angelica archangelica?
Propagate by seed sown in a cold frame with good light, as soon as ripe. Move seedlings when young as older plants resent disturbance.
Is Angelica archangelica good for pollinators?
Yes — Angelica archangelica attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.