PlantFiles: Purple Angelica, Korean Angelica
Angelica gigas

I put this plant in some time before 1995. A flood in 1995 wiped out the section of the garden where it was planted. Several years later I finally rehabilitated that area, and this spectacular plant reappeared. Bumblebees are absolutely crazy about the blooms, as are many other insect pollinators. It isn't unusual too see 5 or 6 bumblebees on each flower head. It is a biennial for me, and self seeds modestly. Seedlings are easy to transplant if you catch them when they're still small. It thrives in moist soil at the edges of my woodland garden, and at 5 or 6 feet really makes a statement. It is also a great cut flower, lasting a good 2 weeks in a vase.

I am embarrassed to say that I don't remember planting these plants, but they are so beautiful. Almost medieval looking, or like something from an Aubrey Beardsley drawing. Tall, elegant and a little odd. I hope they self-seed for me, as I'd like to see very many more of them. Will also try to winter sow them this winter. I have them in a woodland garden, where their maroon umbrels look lovely near a bloodgood japanese maple. They'd also look nice at the back of a border.

I acquired this plant three years ago at a horticultural society sale. It has been transplanted once when we moved.(It has acted as a perennial for me - I have not removed seed heads and so far it has not self-sown).It was in full shade at our old house and is in part shade now and doing well. Any reading I have done suggests moist soil however I am in southern Ontario, Canada and the angelica has been subject to heat and drought and is still thriving. It is an interesting addition to my perennial garden and illicits many comments.

In the UK- grown from seed easily and planted in Herb Field - has grown very well and self seeds readily! To collect seed - await until seedheads are dry and collect in brown paper bag- label and store in cool dark place until needed.
Very attractive plant.

This angelica species is a Native to China and Korea. It grows up to 6 feet tall with diamond shaped leaflets forming leaves 24 inches long. Stems are dark purple in color and the blooms are a dense umbel of rich purple flowers. Plants are biennial and prefer a rich soil in partial shade. If spent blooms are left to mature self sown seedlings will appear the following year. Removal of the spent blooms increases the chances of the parent plant returning after winter