Garden Angelica
Angelica archangelica
Also known as
Archangel, Norwegian Angelica, St Michael's Flower, Aunt Jericho, Ground Ash, Holy Ghost, Root Of The Holy Ghost, Angelique, Angel's Fishing Rod, Wild Parsnip
Photo by CandideUK (All rights reserved)
Full Sun
Easy care
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
H6
RHS hardiness
-20°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
---|---|---|
2.5m | Max | 1.5m |
1.5m | Min | 50cm |
3 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a mild fragrance
More images of Garden Angelica
Garden Angelica Overview
Angelica archangelica is a striking architectural plant with a bushy appearance and bright mid-green leaves that are divided into a 2-3 pinnate arrangement that produces ovate, toothed leaflets. It is a robust herbaceous plant that is often treated as a biennial. Remove seedheads, if it's required as a perennial, as it will die once it has flowered (monocarpic) - although it may take several years before it blooms in the first place. Also known as Angel's Fishing Rod or Angelica (amongst other names), it produces attractive, rounded umbels of pale yellow-green flowers early in summer. Its hollow stalks are ribbed and are edible - with a taste similar to celery, only sweeter. The whole plant gives off an attractive fragrance. The genus Angelica has a long history of cultivation for use in medicine, as a flavouring agent, and as a vegetable. The name Angelica is derived from the Latin word angelicus, which translates to "angel", and suggests divine healing powers. Best grown in deep, moist/poorly-drained, fertile soil, it is happy in a partially shaded or a sunny position, but avoid hot, dry conditions. Angelica archangelica is a suitable plant for the back of herb or flower borders, wildflower meadows, woodland settings or alongside water. It is part of the Royal Horticultural Society “Plants for Pollinators” initiative to showcase plants which support pollinator populations by providing ample amounts of nectar and/or pollen. A great choice for encouraging pollinating insect wildlife into your garden!
Common problems with Garden Angelica
Also susceptible to leaf-mining insects.
How to propagate Garden Angelica
Seed
Sow seeds shallowly in autumn. Germination takes 8-21 days. Transplant seedlings when they have their first set of true leaves and are still small.
Division
An otherwise easy plant to grow, take care with transplanting seedlings, moving them sooner rather than later, as older plants don't take well to disturbance.
Special features of Garden Angelica
Crop rotation
Angelica is a heavy feeder and needs a lot of nutrients, crops should be rotated every two years.
Repels harmful insects
Deters hoverflies
Attracts bees
Attracts butterflies
Attractive flowers
Attractive leaves
Attracts useful insects
all pollinators, not bumblebees
Other uses of Garden Angelica
This species was valued for centuries for its medicinal properties to relieve toothache, to dispel 'phrenzies of the head' and to protect against the plague. The young stems are used, formerly cooked as a vegetable, nowadays most familiar as a candied green garnish for sweet dishes - either whole or finely chopped and have a liquorice flavour. A herbal tea can be made from the roots. An oil is extracted from the seeds and used as a flavouring or for perfume-making. It is suggested that pregnant women and diabetics do not ingest Angelica.
Medicinal
Used to treat colds, fever, congestion, digestion, help dispel gas, and calm a nervous stomach. Angelica root is warming and stimulating to the lungs, helping to ease chest congestion.
Edible
Roots, stems, seeds, leaves, and flowers are edible. The leaves can be dried and used in teas or as a seasoning.