Aconitum napellus

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Common Name: Monkshood-Common, Wolfsbane

A welcome plant in the perennial border, monkshood sends up striking, upright spikes of violet-blue flowers from mid to late summer when few other blue flowers are in bloom. Each individual flower measures 1-2 in. long and is shaped like a little helmet or hood, thus the common name Monkshood.

The distinctive, deeply divided, dark green, glossy foliage provides interest when the plant is not in bloom. It is rarely bothered by pests or diseases.

Height:

3.0 Feet

Spread:

18.0-24.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

4,5,6,7,8

Flower Color:

Purple-blue shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Average Water Needs Consistent Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Midsummer Late Summer

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant Rabbit Resistant

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Eclectic Woodland Shade

Other Features:

Border Plant Cut Flower Cut Foliage Mass Planting

Origin:

Not Native to North America

Aconitum prefers to be grown in partial shade but will tolerate full sun if plenty of moisture is available. Dry soil leads to stunting. The soil should also be amended with generous amounts of compost and peat moss to give it a slight acidity. They are slow to increase and won't need to be divided often. However, plants may be divided in spring or fall.

Aconitums are highly resistant to diseases and pests, partially because they are very poisonous. USE CAUTION when handling this plant and wear gloves. Do not plant it near vegetable gardens or where small children play. Ingestion of any part of the plant may prove fatal.

Characteristics