Aconitum

Aconitum

Monkshood

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: moist, well-drained soil
• Flowering period: June to October
• Height: 0,8-1,6m
• Foliage: deciduous
• Hardiness: fully hardy

Aconitum whose flowers range in colour from violet, blue, white to yellow, is a great plant for early summer and early autumn. It’s a tuberous perennial and by nature, it’s a woodland plant.

Aconitum prefers a partially shady spot but also grows well in a sunny position as long as the soil is not too dry.

Varieties

Aconitum carmichaelli ‘Arendsii’

Varieties for an early autumn border. Aconitum carmichaelli ‘Arendsii’ is a lovely monkhood with purple-blue flowers and deeply divided, dark green leaves.It will grow to about 1m tall.

Aconitum carmichaellii (Wilsonii group) ‘Spätlese’

Taller at 1,6m  Aconitum carmichaellii (Wilsonii group) Spätlese bears attractive spires of light blue, hooded flowers from September to October.

Pruning

Pruning Aconitum (Monkshood or Wolfsbane). Cut the faded flower stems just above the ground when flowering is finished.

How to divide aconitum

Aconitum needs to be divided roughly every 4 years to maintain its vigour. Divide aconitum in spring when new growth starts to emerge. Dig up clumps and pull the tuberous roots apart by hand. Replant the divided parts and water thoroughly. Wear gloves when dividing aconitum.

The tuberous roots of aconitum are very poisonous.

Plant spacing

Plant Aconitum 20-25 cm apart.

Plant combination

Aconitum goes well with perennials such as Achillea, Asters, Japanese anemones. You could also add a late-flowering Perovskia.

Aster