Overview

Angelica gigas is a 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 gigas grows best in partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include architectural, wildflower meadow, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds. It is native to Korea and Manchuria.

About

Angelica gigas, commonly known as purple angelica or Korean angelica, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial or annual biennial from the Apiaceae family. It grows to a height of 1.5 to 2.5 metres with a spread of 1 to 1.5 metres, reaching full height within 2 to 5 years. This deciduous plant thrives in partial shade on west-, east-, or north-facing aspects, preferring sheltered positions with moist but well-drained clay or loam soils of varying pH. It is particularly attractive during the summer and autumn seasons.

About the genus

Angelica is a genus of about 90 species of tall biennial and perennial herbs in the family Apiaceae, native to temperate and subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere, reaching as far north as Iceland, Sápmi, and Greenland. They grow to 1–3 m tall, with large bipinnate leaves and large compound umbels of white or greenish-white flowers. It shows variations in fruit anatomy, leaf morphology, and subterranean structures.

Wikipedia contributors, "Angelica", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Angelica

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

West-facing, East-facing, North-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H6

Plant details

Angelica gigas size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Herbaceous Perennial, Annual Biennial

Habit

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, Flower borders and beds

Native to

Korea, Manchuria

Fragrance

Mildly aromatic, with a slightly musky scent

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Angelica gigas

Cultivation

Prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial shade; avoid waterlogged conditions; mulch in winter to protect roots

Pruning

Remove spent flower heads to prevent self-seeding; cut back foliage after flowering to encourage fresh growth

Propagation

Seed sown in a cold frame with good light, as soon as ripe

Pest resistance

Slugs, Snails, Aphids, Leaf miners

Disease resistance

Powdery mildews

Frequently asked questions