Angelica archangelica
A dramatic and architectural herb for the passionate gardener, Angelica archangelica brings bold presence to any garden setting. Its tall, hollow stems rise above lush green foliage, crowned with large domes of chartreuse-green flowers in late spring and early summer. The flowers are a magnet for bees and beneficial insects, while the plant’s strong form adds a striking vertical accent to mixed borders, herb gardens or damp, semi-wild areas.
Angelica prefers cooler, moist conditions and grows best in sun or partial shade with rich, well-drained soil. In South Africa’s warmer regions, it’s best treated as a biennial – forming leafy growth the first year, then flowering spectacularly in the second before reseeding itself freely. Both the stems and seeds have been used traditionally for herbal and culinary purposes.
Flowering time
Late spring to midsummer
Position
Sun or partial shade
Water
Regular – enjoys moist, fertile soil
Mature size
Up to 1.5–2 m tall × 60 cm wide
Frost tolerance
Good – hardy in most regions if soil remains cool and moist
