Angelica

For most of us (well, the older ones that is), the word angelica is tagged to luried green coloured candied cake decoration. Times have changed! Angelica, the once unfashionable medicinal plant stuck at the back of the kitchen garden is big, bold, and well and truely back!

Kirman Design favourite Angelica gigas which is a Korean native grows to around 1.75m and has deep beetroot coloured stems and alien style pods which through dark shiny leaves out of. It is a stunning architectural plant to plant front or back of the border, but as with all of them; give them plenty of space to breathe.


History

No one really knows where it got it's name. One theory is that it was from Archangel Raphael, who according to the legend, revealed the plant's virtues. Another which claims that the plant flowers by the day of the feast of St. Michael the Archangel (May 8th). Another theory is that it is an 'Angelic herb' which cures all and protects from evil. However it got it's name, it's medicinal and flavouring properties are renowned around the world. Fleshy roots are used as food whilst the seeds and roots can be used to flavour gin and Benedictine. It is said to be a protection against poisons and the plague, an aphrodisiac and perhaps most useful, a guard against witches.

Angelia sylvestris

There are over 50 species of Angelica, perhaps the most important being the humble Angelica archangelica which is at present, the most common. Many of the species originate from Russia, Korea, and North America with some species being found in Iceland and Lapland. 

Propagation

Sow seeds immediately after collection. They can be placed on their edges to prevent them from the possibility of rotting. Put the pots outside and protect from the worst of the weather with a cold frame or shelter up against a wall. They do need a period of cold weather to force them into germination mode the following spring. When the plants have four to six leaves, pot them on but take care not to break the important tap root when doing so.  

 
Angelica sylvestris
 

Cultivation

Angelica's prefer a moist, fertile and slightly acidic soil (It is said to go yellow when planted in limey soils). They also generally prefer a light but shady area although if you are planting in full sun, make sure you are planting in deep soil and mulch it well. Protect them from cold winds.


Care

Angelica's generally live relatively short lives. Any seed which is grown is always best sown fresh; commercially bought seed is generally not worth the bother. You would think that the best way to grow them on therefore is by division, but this is not possible either. The best bet is to buy a relatively young plant and grow seedlings from the fresh seed you collect from your first plant. 

Angelica sylvestris stem

If you want the plant to live for many years, it is possible to prevent the flower from seeding, by removing the head immediately after the flowers have withered. Generally however, the plant behaves like a biennial where it will flower, seed and die in it's second or third year. If you want the plant to live for many years, it is possible to prevent the flower from seeding, by removing the head immediately after the flowers have withered.



Pests and Diseases

Pretty much untroubled by pests and diseases.

Angelica gigas

Places to see angelica :

Norton Priory

The Norton Priory Museum Trust
Norton Priory Museum & Gardens
Tudor Road
Manor Park
Runcorn
Cheshire
WA7 1SX

http://www.nortonpriory.org/

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