Angelica archangelica
Angelica archangelica is a majestic plant highly valued for its architectural form and makes a wonderful feature at the back of a cottage border, veg garden or wildlife area where it will attract pollinating insects to its flowers as well as birds to its seedheads. In its second year, sturdy upright stems emerge from aromatic, bright green, deeply divided leaves. In early summer, the greenish-pink stems burst into huge umbels of light yellow flowers which later ripen into attractive, bright green seed heads. Both the flowers and dried seed heads are wonderful for vase displays. All parts of the plant are edible – the stems can be used to make candy or flavour gin.
Maximum height: 200cm (47”). Maximum spread: 120cm (47”).
Sowing
Resents root disturbance so preferably sow direct into the ground either in spring or autumn. Alternatively sow into a tray of good seed compost from May to June and transplant when young. Germination can be slow.
More Info
Grow in deep, moist, fertile soil in full sun or partial shade in a cool, not hot position. Stake in windy locations. Although normally biennial, plants can be encouraged to perform as short-lived perennials by removing the flower stems before they mature into seeds.
Description
Angelica archangelica is a majestic plant highly valued for its architectural form and makes a wonderful feature at the back of a cottage border, veg garden or wildlife area where it will attract pollinating insects to its flowers as well as birds to its seedheads. In its second year, sturdy upright stems emerge from aromatic, bright green, deeply divided leaves. In early summer, the greenish-pink stems burst into huge umbels of light yellow flowers which later ripen into attractive, bright green seed heads. Both the flowers and dried seed heads are wonderful for vase displays. All parts of the plant are edible – the stems can be used to make candy or flavour gin.
Maximum height: 200cm (47”). Maximum spread: 120cm (47”).
Sowing
Resents root disturbance so preferably sow direct into the ground either in spring or autumn. Alternatively sow into a tray of good seed compost from May to June and transplant when young. Germination can be slow.
More Info
Grow in deep, moist, fertile soil in full sun or partial shade in a cool, not hot position. Stake in windy locations. Although normally biennial, plants can be encouraged to perform as short-lived perennials by removing the flower stems before they mature into seeds.
