Angelica ‘Ebony’ AGM

Purple Angelica Apiaceae

A darkly dramatic take on our native Wild Angelica, Angelica sylvestris ‘Ebony’ is grown principally for its extraordinary deep purple, almost black, glossy foliage. It emerges early and develops into a handsome architectural clump, before sending up strong stems topped in late summer with rounded umbels of dusky pink flowers opening from dark purple buds. 

Like most angelicas, it is a superb plant for wildlife, with the nectar-rich flower heads attracting bees, hoverflies and other insects. It is generally biennial or short-lived, but can seed itself gently around the garden—usually in places where it has considerably better taste than the gardener. 

Best in moist but well-drained soil, in sun or partial shade. The dark foliage is particularly effective against silver, lime-green or finely textured planting. An RHS Award of Garden Merit plant and an excellent choice for adding some gothic architecture to the herbaceous border. 

Height: 75–100cm
Spread: 50–75cm
Flowering: July–September
Foliage: Deciduous
Hardiness: H5 (-15 to -10°C)