Angelica (Angelica archangelica)

Angelica (Angelica archangelica) is an herb that can grow 1.5m – 3m tall and 50cm – 1.5m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Angelica (Angelica archangelica).
This plant has several common names including: angelica, angel’s fishing rod, archangel, aunt Jericho, ground ash, Holy Ghost, root of the Holy Ghost or St Michael’s flower.
This is a deciduous plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: angelica, angel’s fishing rod, archangel, aunt Jericho, ground ash, Holy Ghost, root of the Holy Ghost, St Michael’s flower
Scientific name: Angelica archangelica
Plant type: Herbs, Perennials
Habit: Bushy
Height: 1.5m – 3m
Spread: 50cm – 1.5m
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Chalk, Clay, Loam
Moisture: Moist but well drained, Poorly drained
Garden type: Architectural, Informal Garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife Gardens
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding
Other characteristics: Plants for pollinators
Seasonal colors
Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
---|---|---|---|---|
Spring | ||||
Summer | ||||
Autumn | ||||
Winter |

How to plant Angelica (Angelica archangelica) – Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Angelica (Angelica archangelica), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Angelica (Angelica archangelica) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, clay or loam.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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Clay soil is composed of more than 25 percent clay particles. These particles have a high moisture holding capacity and the soil is heavy to dig and can be waterlogged in winter (dry in summer).
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Angelica archangelica likes to grow in moist but well drained or humid or poorly drained soils.
Sunlight
Angelica (Angelica archangelica) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.

Cultivation profiles – Growing Angelica (Angelica archangelica) – Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons