Aconitum carmichaelii (Arendsii Group) 'Arendsii'
We have this Aconitum on our main borders dotted about in the middle of the beds. It gives a lovely intense blue colour late on in the season when a lot of our other perennials are losing their colours. It is well known for its gorgeous blue flower panicles and glossy green leaves. 'Arendsii' in particular has very sturdy stems and withstands our windy site very well. It starts flowering early September and will continue on well into autumn.
Vital statistics
- Common name
- Monk's hood 'Arendsii'
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Height & spread
- Up to Up to 1.5m wide, 0.5m spread
- Form
- Herbaceous perennial
- Soil
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- Full sun or partial shade
- Hardiness
- Fully hardy in the British Isles
Aconitum
Aconitum is a genus of 100 species of herbaceous perennials or biennials with lobed leaves and racemes or panicles of showy, hooded flowers. They are mainly from mountainous, grassland or scrub areas in the northern hemisphere. Some have twining stems though most are upright.
The flower colour and shape are from the sepals, with the petals hidden underneath as nectaries.
They are good for cool, woodland gardens and mixed borders.
The common name of monk's hood comes from the shape of the flower. An alternative common name of wolf’s bane is from the use of the plant to poison wolves - the leaves and roots contain a strong alkaloid poison.
Aconitum carmichaelii (Arendsii Group) 'Arendsii'
Aconitum carmichaelii is an erect perennial with leathery, dark green leaves. 'Arendsii' forms a clump of erect stems bearing deeply divided leaves and sturdy spires of rich lavender-blue flowers in early and mid-autumn.
This cultivar was named in honour of Georg Arends (1863-1952), a German nurseryman and plant breeder.
Cultivation
- Best grown in moisture retentive fertile soil in partial shade but sun and most soils are tolerated. Staking may be necessary
- Use gloves when handling plants as all parts are very poisonous
- Prune tall stems in late autumn when flowering is finished
- Aphids may be troublesome
- Fungal stem rot and Verticillium wilt may be troublesome occasionally
Propagation
- Divide every third year in autumn or late winter to maintain vigour. Plants can be slow to re-establish.
- Use gloves when handling plants as all parts are very poisonous
AGM
In 2002 the RHS Floral Committee awarded Aconitum carmichaelii (Arendsii Group) 'Arendsii' an Award of Garden Merit.