Aconitum, or monkshood
Aconitum are commonly known as ‘Monkshood’ or ‘Wolf’s Bane’. They are found in cool temperate zones in both Europe and North America, so are wide spread.
A number of varieties are available for sale in Australia, both as seedling plants and as seeds.
Landscaping Uses
Useful in the cottage garden or wider garden border where they add height through the flowers as these are mostly tall upright plants.
Flower stems can reach up to 1m, carrying racemes of large and blue, purple, white, yellow or pink flowers they include the common ‘monkshood’ or Aconitum napellus.
An ornamental hardy perennial all Aconitum grow well in normal garden soil, and in Australia will usually require some afternoon shade.
Used widely as an ornamental perennial all parts of the plant are also poisonous and need to be handled with care.
Varieties are available for sale in Australia:
- A. carmichaelii
Brilliant blue flowers and attractive glossy foliage. Flowers appear on long stems from 60 cm to 90cm. A. carmichaellii ‘arendsii’ is a popular cultivar. - A. delphinifolium
Lower growing to around 40 – 50 cm, deep blue hooded flowers. - A. lamarkii
An unusual yellow flowering form. - A. napellus
This is the ‘common monkshood’.
Aconitum Care Information and Growing Notes
A humus rich moist but well drained soil will provide the best growing conditions for Aconitum. In the natural environment, summers are cooler than those in Australia, so care is a little different.
All varieties are best grown in morning sun and then some afternoon shade, otherwise they tend to suffer a little in our hot summers.
Propagation
Aconitum are best propagated by of the root division or by seed.
Many species are regarded as Woodland Plants
Interested in Woodland Plants?
Woodland Plants in Australia
Aconitum plants and or seeds are available for sale from the following nurseries
Little Hampton, Vic 345
"Mail order nursery specialising in cottage garden perennials, flowering shrubs, Trilliums, Hostas and Pacific Coast Iris. Flat rate express postage - Except WA & TAS"
www.botanicaltreasures.com
'Sylvan Vale' 375 Olinda Creek Rd, Kalorama, VIC.3766
Including a large range of Rare and unusual bulbs, corms and perennials
www.tonkinsbulbs.com.au
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au
Large variety of Epimediums, Woodland plants and Herbaceous perennials
Mail order or nursery. We do not send to Tasmania or WA
www.cloverhillrareplants.com
125 Palmer Rd Jindivick 3818
Open Thursday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
Specialising in growing and selling Rare and Unusual Trees, shrubs Perennials Bulbs and Climbers, a unique nursery with amazing stock.
www.muskersbroughtonhall.com.au