Angelica gigas
purple angelica, Korean angelica
apiaceaeBold dissected foliage; 4- to 8-in.-wide
burgundy flower heads
3–6 ft. high; 2–3 ft. wide
Part shade
Blooms July–August
Zones 4–8pruning Angelica gigas is monocar-
pic, meaning it dies after setting seed,
so the flower heads should be cut off
as soon as the flowers fade to prevent
seed maturation. This extends the life
of this normally biennial, or
short-lived perennial, species.
Deadhead to a lateral bud. If
allowed to go to seed, it may produce
offspring with great ambition if the
conditions are favorable, but in my
gardens only minimal offspring are
produced (I wish there were more!).Flowers are attractive to beneficial
insects. Deadleaf older yellowing
leaves in late summer. All leaves drop
off the stem after a frost, and unless
the seedheads have been allowed to
remain, the plant should be cut down
at that time.
other maintenance Will grow in
full sun but best performance is in
locations with afternoon shade. Moist
fertile soil enhances growth. May be
affected by mites or leaf miner, but
not of significant concern. It is a
self-supporting giant that does not
need staking.
related plantS Angelica arch-
angelica, archangel, has the same
pruning and maintenance require-
ments as A. gigas.Aquilegia hybrids
columbine
ranunculaceaeWide range of colors and bicolored flowers;
gray-green compound foliage
1–3 ft. (1 ft.) high; 1 ft. wide
Full sun–part shade
Blooms May–June
Zones 3–9
pruning First deadhead to lateral
flower buds, then cut old flowering
stems to the ground when all flower-
ing is finished to prevent seeding,
which often results in undesirable
strains. Deadheading can prolong
bloom, particularly on young plants.
Deadleafing keeps plants in good
condition, but if severely affected by
leaf miner or other pests, plants can be
cut to the ground. A fresh mound of
foliage will develop from the pruning.
Do not be concerned if it takes several
weeks or longer for new foliage to
emerge, particularly under dry
conditions. The clean fresh mound of
foliage can remain for the winter. If
plants have leaf miner or other pests in
the autumn, they should be cut down
for the winter; clean up all debris from
around the plant. Destroy any and all
pest-infested leaves.
other maintenance Plants do
best with evenly moist, rich soil. OverlyAngelica gigas