Flower Library
Angelica
Angelica · Apiaceae
Angelica is the architect among the umbellifers: head-high, hollow stems with spherical umbels often the size of a palm, looking like green fireworks in the vase. As a cut flower it is a speciality for large sculptural work and modern natural arrangements. When it appears at the Veiling Rhein-Maas in summer we buy it, because hardly any other flower delivers this format.
- Season
- June – July – August – September
- Vase life
- 5–10 days
- Latin name
- Angelica
- Colors
- Greenish white, Creamy green, Purple-red (Angelica gigas)
Two species shape the cut supply: the green-white garden angelica, Angelica archangelica, an old European medicinal and liqueur plant, and the spectacular Angelica gigas from East Asia with purple-red bud sheaths and wine-red umbels. Both bring stems of a metre and more that hold their presence even in large floor vases.
In floral work angelica is a soloist: the spherical umbels set an architectural accent that the rest of the arrangement aligns to. In large-format vessel work we combine it with delphinium, hydrangeas and grasses; in purist pieces three stems also stand entirely on their own.
The umbels pass through several usable stages: from the closed bud wrapped in sheathing bracts, to the fully opened sphere, to the green seed head, which lasts for months when dried. Exactly this ability to transform makes it so interesting to designers.
Handling deserves respect: like many umbellifers, angelica contains furanocoumarins whose sap combined with sunlight can cause skin irritation. Long sleeves or gloves are the rule when arranging larger quantities, and wash your hands afterwards.
The hollow stems want special treatment: cut them long, stand them deep in water and support heavy umbels at first. A typical mistake is a vase that is too small; the top-heavy stems effortlessly lever over lightweight vessels.
Is Angelica toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Mildly irritating
- Cats
- Mildly irritating
- Dogs
- Mildly irritating
Contains furanocoumarins: the sap can trigger skin irritation in combination with sunlight, and ingested plant parts can irritate the stomach and gut. Keep out of reach of pets and small children.
Typical symptoms: Redness and blistering after skin contact with sap plus sun; after ingestion drooling, vomiting and increased light sensitivity.
In an emergency:call the German poison control centre in Bonn on +49 228 19240 (24/7) — for pets, contact an emergency vet directly. This information does not replace medical or veterinary advice.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Cut the hollow stems long and at an angle and stand them deep in fresh water immediately.
- 02Choose a heavy, stable vase, as the large umbels are top-heavy.
- 03Provide plenty of water and top up daily; angelica drinks a lot.
- 04Change the water every two days and re-cut the stems as you do.
- 05Keep cool and out of direct sun.
- 06Avoid skin contact with the sap when cutting (photosensitising).
Frequently asked
- How long does angelica last in the vase?
- Around five to ten days depending on the cutting stage. Green seed heads last longest and can be dried afterwards. Deep water and a fresh cut every two days matter most.
- Is angelica toxic to cats, dogs or children?
- Angelica is an old medicinal plant, but its sap contains furanocoumarins that can irritate skin in combination with sun and cause stomach upset in larger amounts. Keep bouquets out of reach of pets and small children.
- What is the difference between Angelica archangelica and Angelica gigas?
- The European Angelica archangelica blooms greenish white and is the classic medicinal and liqueur plant. Angelica gigas from East Asia carries purple-red bud sheaths and dark, wine-red umbels, making it the more dramatic cut form for modern arrangements.
- What is angelica used for in floristry?
- Above all for large-format vessel arrangements, interior and window displays, and purist work where a few sculptural stems carry the design. For small hand-tied bouquets it is simply too big.