Angelica.

At a glance

Care level

Moderate

Plant type

Biennial herb

Light

Partial shade to full sun

Indoor light

Bright indirect

Water

Every 2 to 4 days

Mature size

6 to 8 feet

Growth rate

Fast

Hardiness

USDA 4 to 9

Bloom time

Early to mid summer

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist, as this plant thrives in damp conditions. Watch for aphids or leaf miners that might enjoy the foliage. Provide a sheltered spot to protect the tall stems from strong winds.

Watering

Keep the soil evenly moist at all times, never letting it dry out completely.

Feeding

Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the active growing season.

Pruning

Remove dead or damaged foliage as needed to keep the plant tidy.

Repotting

Repot only if the plant becomes rootbound, though it prefers to stay in the ground.

Soil

Moist, rich, well draining soil

Soil pH

6.0 to 7.5

Temperature

-25 to 30°C

Humidity

40 to 70%

Safety

People

The sap can cause photosensitivity in some people, leading to skin irritation when exposed to sunlight.

Pets

This plant can cause skin irritation in pets if they brush against it or ingest parts of it.

Children

The plant is not inherently dangerous to touch, but ingestion should be avoided due to potential confusion with toxic lookalikes.

Contact allergens

Contact with the sap can cause skin rashes or blisters upon sun exposure.

Airborne allergens

Pollen may cause mild reactions in sensitive individuals.

Edibility

Do not consume wild angelica unless you are an expert, as it is easily confused with highly toxic hemlock species.

How to identify it

• Large, serrated, compound leaves
• Tall, hollow, ribbed flowering stalks
• Large, globe shaped umbels of flowers
• Strong, aromatic, celery like scent

Height

1.2 to 2m

Spread

0.6 to 1m

Leaves

bright green, deciduous

Flowers

pale green, white, 15 to 25cm

Fruit

brown, Late summer

Problems to watch for

• AphidsCommon
• BoltingCommon
• Leaf MinersCommon
• Slugs and SnailsCommon
• Powdery MildewUncommon
• Root RotUncommon
• RustUncommon

Growing it

Propagation

seed

When to plant

spring, autumn

Pair this plant with other moisture loving species to ensure the soil stays consistently damp throughout the growing season.

Grows well with

• Hostas · They share similar shade and moisture requirements.
• Ferns · They provide a lovely textural contrast in damp, shaded borders.

Similar species

• Cow Parsnip · It has a similar stature and umbel flower structure.

Science

Native range

Northern Europe and parts of Asia.

Conservation

Not currently of conservation concern.

It thrives in moist, cool environments like riverbanks and damp meadows where it can access consistent water.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, larval host plant

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

Uses

ornamental, culinary, herbal medicine

Questions people ask

Why did my angelica die after flowering?

Angelica is a biennial, so it naturally completes its life cycle and dies after producing seeds in its second year.

Can I grow it in full sun?

It prefers partial shade, especially in warmer climates where intense afternoon sun can scorch the foliage.

Where the name comes from

The name Angelica comes from the Latin word for angel, referring to its historical reputation as a cure for many ailments. The scientific name Angelica archangelica highlights its perceived medicinal importance.

Good to know

• It is often called the Holy Ghost plant due to medieval legends.
• The entire plant is aromatic, with a distinct, sweet scent.
• It is a biennial, meaning it grows leaves the first year and flowers the second.

Also in

• Plants toxic to cats and dogs