Angelica sylvestris Vicars Mead

Angelica sylvestris 'Vicar's Mead' is a charming biennial or short-lived perennial with a wild allure. From summer to early autumn, it produces spectacular deep pink umbels, borne atop erect purple stems. The abundant, finely cut foliage, also dark green to purple, adds to the lightness and wild grace of this carefree plant. It prefers moist, well-drained soil, even clayey, in full sun or partial shade, and will easily self-seed without becoming invasive.

Angelica sylvestris 'Vicar's Mead' belongs to the complex Apiaceae family (formerly known as Umbelliferae). The wild species, also known as meadow angelica or wood angelica, is a short-lived biennial or perennial that can be found throughout Europe and as far as Siberia. It grows in cool to wet meadows, as well as on the edges of woods and along streams or ponds. In the first year, the plant produces a rosette of large, spreading leaves, each reaching up to 50cm (20in), divided into multiple ovate and pointed leaflets, which are slightly toothed. Between July and September of the second year, the plant sends up a tall, sturdy flowering stem, reaching 1.2 to 1.5m (4 to 5ft). It bears typical umbels of the Apiaceae family (resembling a giant carrot) with small flowers consisting of 5 petals. When dried, the stems remain decorative for several weeks, sometimes throughout winter if the climate is not too harsh.

In the 'Vicar's Mead' variety, all parts are beautifully coloured: the leaves range from dark green to rich chocolate purple, the flower stalks are purplish, and the flowers are purple in bud and turn pink when fully open. A stunning combination that is sure to catch the eye!

Angelica sylvestris 'Vicar's Mead' is a plant with a wild charm. It is very hardy (tolerating temperatures below -20°C (-4°F)) and robust. It thrives in fairly humus-rich, moist to wet soils. Heavy and clayey soils are not a problem as long as they are well-drained. While it tolerates shade, this variety will display its colours best in mild sun or light shade. Although it is a biennial and therefore dies after 2 (sometimes 3) years, it easily self-sows in the garden. Remember to leave some dried stems to perpetuate the variety. The plant self-seeds more or less faithfully: you are free to select among the descendants those that you like the most (very dark foliage or greener) to eventually obtain a well-homogeneous population after a few years.

Pair 'Vicar's Mead' in a partial shade border with pale-flowering plants to enhance its brilliance: for example, 'Ivorine' Monkshood, 'Snow Queen' Columbine, or Goat's Beard (Aruncus dioicus). You can also try Chinese Corydalis with its bright blue flowers, which go perfectly with the purple leaves. As for shrubs, the abundant blooms of Vanhoutte Spirea will make a superb backdrop.