Angelica 'archangelica' - Architectural for Bog-Edge & Damp Borders; Nectar-Rich Lime-Green Umbels (Peat-Free, Pesticide-Free)

A bold, architectural umbellifer for bog gardens and damp, rich soils around wildlife ponds. Angelica forms a lush mound of aromatic foliage in year one, then in year two sends up lime-green domed umbels on tall, sturdy stems that draw in hoverflies, solitary bees, lacewings and beetles. Hollow, ribbed stems and dense leaf-bases provide low shelter near the water’s edge. Height typically 1.5-2.5 m in flower with a commanding presence from late spring into summer. A biennial/short-lived perennial, it gently self-seeds where soil stays moist.
Native status: Near-native/naturalised in the UK (non-invasive). Not an aquatic - plant in damp soil at the pond collar/bog edge.

Where it thrives

Light: Sun to partial shade
Moisture/Zone: Pond collar / bog-edge / damp border; consistently moist, fertile mineral loam; do not submerge
Setting: Back-of-bed statement, wildlife bog garden anchor, dramatic pairing with moisture lovers (e.g., meadowsweet, purple loosestrife, sedges)

Planting & care

• Plant into peat-free, mineral-rich loam; mulch annually to conserve moisture

• Water to establish and keep evenly moist in dry spells; shelter from constant fountain splash

• Allow some seed to drop for natural replacements; thin or lift seedlings where needed

• Cut back spent flower stems in late summer/autumn, leaving a few seedheads for structure and insects

Safety (important & honest):
Ornamental use only - do not ingest. Sap may cause photosensitivity in some people; wear gloves and avoid skin exposure in bright sun. Keep plant material and soil out of natural watercourses.

Truth-first wildlife note:
Angelica is a big plant and can self-seed in rich, damp ground - best for medium to large spaces. It may flop in very dry or windy sites without shelter. For small barrels or tight rims, choose a compact marginal instead.

Joel says…
“Give angelica a damp, rich root-run and a calm backdrop - those lime-green umbels do all the talking. I let a few seedlings stand each year and leave some seedheads for winter texture.”