Angelica archangelica – Herbaceous Perennial
Angelica archangelica, commonly known as Angelica, is a striking herbaceous perennial that offers both beauty and versatility in the garden. Known for its large, dramatic leaves and tall, architectural flower stems, this plant is perfect for adding height and interest to your borders, herb gardens, or wildflower meadows. It is particularly valued for its aromatic qualities, making it a great choice for culinary and medicinal use as well.
At a Glance
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Type: Herbaceous perennial
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Flowering Time: June to July
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Flower Colour: Pale green to yellowish-green
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Foliage: Large, deeply divided, and glossy dark green leaves
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Height: 2.m (6.5ft)
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Spread: 1.2m (3.2ft)
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Hardiness: Hardy in most of the UK down to -15°C (RHS H5)
A Bold and Architectural Plant
Angelica archangelica is an impressive plant that makes a bold statement in any garden. The plant can reach heights of up to 2 metres (6 feet), making it a perfect choice for the back of borders or as a focal point in wildlife gardens. Its large, feathery, deeply divided leaves form an attractive, dense mound, while its towering stems are topped with umbels of pale green or yellowish-green flowers that attract pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
Aromatic and Versatile
Angelica archangelica is known for its aromatic qualities, with its leaves, stems, and seeds all being edible. The plant has been used for centuries in cooking, particularly in preserving fruits and making herbal teas. The leaves and stems can be used in the kitchen to add a unique flavour to dishes, while the seeds are often used for flavouring in baking and confectionery. This plant is also valued for its potential medicinal uses, particularly in herbal remedies.
Growing Angelica Archangelica
Angelica is relatively easy to grow, though it does best in conditions that mimic its native habitat in moist woodlands and wet meadows. It thrives in well-drained, rich, and moist soil and prefers a partly shaded position but will tolerate full sun if the soil is kept moist.
Planting Tips
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Soil: Well-drained, moist, fertile soil is essential for healthy growth.
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Potted: Can grown in pots can be planted at any time of the year providing the ground is not frozen or waterlogged.
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Watering: Angelica prefers moist soil, so ensure it is well-watered, especially during dry spells.
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Fertilising: Enrich the soil with organic matter such as compost before planting. Regular mulching around the base helps retain moisture and improve soil quality.
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Position: While it can tolerate full sun, partial shade is ideal for this plant, especially in hotter climates.
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Pruning: Remove dead flower stems after flowering to maintain the plant’s shape and encourage the growth of fresh leaves.
Attracts Pollinators
Angelica’s large, delicate flower heads are a magnet for pollinators, particularly bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Planting it near other nectar-rich flowers will help create a buzzing and thriving garden ecosystem.
Hardiness and Winter Care
Hardy in most of the UK, Angelica can withstand cold winters (down to -15°C), making it well-suited for most regions. It may die back in the colder months, but it will regrow in spring from its base. To protect it over the winter, you can mulch around the roots to provide insulation.
Ideal for Various Garden Designs
Angelica archangelica’s tall and statuesque form makes it a great addition to:
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Back of mixed borders, where its height will create a dramatic backdrop for shorter plants
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Wildflower meadows, where it blends beautifully with grasses and other perennial flowers
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Herb gardens, where it can be grown alongside other aromatic herbs
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Woodland gardens or moist, shady areas
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Cottage gardens, where it adds a rustic, old-fashioned charm
Its large, imposing structure and attractive flowers also make it suitable for cut flower arrangements, providing a beautiful addition to floral displays.
Why Choose Angelica Archangelica?
Angelica is a low-maintenance perennial that provides both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. It’s perfect for gardeners who want to add an architectural element to their garden while benefiting from its aromatic and culinary properties. Whether you’re growing it for its beauty or its uses in the kitchen and beyond, Angelica archangelica is a standout plant that thrives in a variety of garden conditions.
Order now and enjoy the striking presence of Angelica archangelica in your garden this season!
Buying Herbs from Jacksons Nurseries
At Jacksons Nurseries our herbs are sold to plant out and grow on rather than instant culinary use. Unlike many supermarkets we grow them to help create a hardly plant with a good healthy root system that will grow to provide a good ‘clump’ producing to come.
Depending on the time of year you make your purchase herbs not look like the images on our website as they are trimmed back judiciously as required to prevent them from becoming leggy and untidy.
Herbs, as well as being beautiful sensory plants, are useful for home remedies and cooking. They smell lovely, look wonderful and you can use them—what could be better? There are two main ways of growing herbs, in containers or in the garden.
Planting and Conditions
The conditions required for planting varies between different herbs.
Basil, Bay, Caraway, Chives, Dill, Marjoram, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage and Thyme all prefer well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade. Rosemary in particular will not survive being frozen during the winter months.
Chervil, Coriander, Mint and French Tarragon all prefer partial sun or shade, and like well-drained to dry soil.
Herbs would also benefit greatly from being planted in raised beds, which usually offer the perfect conditions for growth, as they have well-drained soil and are more likely to catch the rays of sun needed for most herb varieties.
Aftercare and Pruning
There is no need to prune your herbs excessively, because you are likely to be using them regularly after they have established anyway. If any dead foliage is found, just remove it to encourage future growth.
Water your herbs at regular intervals, especially if they are being kept indoors. Bear in mind that the majority of herbs prefer well-drained, dryer soil, so resist the urge to overwater them.
Some herbs die back in winter. These will look after themselves. Some more tender herbs can only be grown if brought inside during the cooler months.
Potential Issues
Specific to rosemary and sage, the beautiful but destructive rosemary beetle feeds on the foliage and flowers of host plants. Simply picking them off can be effective, otherwise the use of pesticides should be employed if the case is severe. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions with regards to pesticides and herbs for culinary purposes.
Slugs and snails are prominent pests on herbs. Simply picking them off or using a beer trap is an effective way of dealing with the problem should it become a prominent issue.
Slug pellets should only be used as a last resort to avoid harming birds and other wildlife.
Grey mould may also occur on some herbs. While there are no approved fungicides for use against grey mould, some products containing plant and fish oil blends can be used. They are unlikely to have much impact, and simply removing affected parts of the plant can be effective.
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