Alphabetical Plant Listing

Aconitum napellus (Monkshood)

Monkshood, Aconite, Wolfsbane, Fuzi, Monk's blood


Native to Western and Central Europe, Aconitum napellus brings showy, densely packed spikes of deep purplish-blue flowers and attractive foliage in the shade garden.

  • Blooming for weeks from mid to late summer, the helmet shape of the flowers makes them resemble the hood worn by medieval monks, hence the common names of monkshood or helmet flower.
  • Growing up to 4 feet high (120 cm) and 18 inches wide (45 cm), this upright flowering perennial performs best in full sun or part shade and in constantly moist, rich and well-drained soils.
  • Used as an arrow poison in ancient times, it is important to note that all parts of this plant are poisonous. You should wear gloves when working with it and avoid planting in areas where small children might come in contact with it.
  • Deer and rabbit resistant
  • Cut back plants after flowering to promote re-bloom later in the season.
  • All parts are highly toxic if eaten, all parts may be harmful through skin contact. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Avoid planting in areas where small children might come in contact with it.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses, toxic to humans.

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Requirements

Hardiness 3 – 8
Heat Zones 3 – 8
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Aconitum - Monkshoods
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid,Late)
Height 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 18" (45cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden

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Great Plant Combination Ideas with Aconitum - Monkshoods


By Elena Larkina, Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 3 – 8
Heat Zones 3 – 8
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, A1, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Aconitum - Monkshoods
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid,Late)
Height 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 18" (45cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Aconitum - Monkshoods

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