Angelica (Angelica gigas), also known as Korean angelica, is a flowering biennial or perennial from the parsley family and a relative of the aromatic seed plants anise, caraway, cumin, dill and fennel. Over two to five years, an angelica plant will reach its ultimate height of 4 to 6 feet. The green-leaved, purple-stemmed angelica produces large exotic-looking purple florets that radiate like spokes of an umbrella, a characteristic of plants belonging to the Apiaceae family. Beyond its striking appearance in the home garden, angelica has other uses. Both leaves and seeds are used as flavoring and to make liqueur.
Angelica plants can be used in either cottage or informal garden landscapes, as flower borders or in flower beds. Select a location where the angelica plant will be shaded during the hottest hours of the day. To thrive, angelicas need an abundance of water, but good drainage is also essential. Angelica plants should be well sheltered and either north-, east- or west-facing. Start fresh angelica seeds in containers, and transplant when young and small; older mature plants do not respond well to disturbance. Space angelicas 3 feet apart.
Angelica grows in a variety of soil conditions, but prefers soil with either a neutral or slightly acidic pH. Test your soil if you don't know its pH level. Angelica will grow in sandy, loamy or clay soils, although the plant thrives in moist, loamy soil. If your soil is drier, applying a layer of mulch or working organic matter into the soil will provide Angelica plants the moisture they need to grow and develop.
The first year after you plant an angelica, it will produce mainly large leaves. In its second year, the angelica will grow taller and develop a flowering stalk. After flowering, prune angelica plants. Angelicas contain furocoumarin, which can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight or cause dermatitis, so be careful when working with the plant.
Unfortunately, angelica plants are prone to attack from numerous pests. Common invaders include aphids, leaf miners, snails and slugs. In addition, angelica can suffer from fungal and bacterial infections such as powdery mildew and leaf spot.