ANGELICA archangelica

Description

Angelica archangelica

Height x Spread: 175cm x 80cm

This is a statuesque biennial that will in its first year produce a crown of foliage. In the second year it will send up tall fluted stems which are fragrant and topped with clusters of buds that will open yellow in July. Flowering will be followed by seed heads and the plant will die off in the Winter.

Historically the plant has been used for folk medicine, perfumery, food and drink. The stems are candied and used a cake-decorations and the roots are one of the main botanical flavourings in Gin as well as Vermouth, Bitters, Dubonnet and Benedictine. Care should be taken to ensure that it is definitely Angelica as there are other toxic plants that are similar in appearance.

It has wonderful architectural structure and form, making it a great statement plant in the mixed border towering above other plants. For continuation the best thing is to allow it to seed around and remove unwanted seedlings that are in the wrong place.