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Herbaceous Perennial

Aconitum lycoctonum subsp. moldavicum

Moldavian monk's hood

An upright perennial with rounded 5-7 lobed dark green leaves, and panicles of grey flowers, with cream at the mouth and pale violet on the spurs, in mid and late summer

Synonyms
Aconitum hosteanum
Aconitum moldavicum
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Cream Grey Silver Purple Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Ranunculaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
TOXIC if eaten, avoid skin contact. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus

Aconitum can be herbaceous perennials or biennials with lobed leaves and racemes or panicles of showy, hooded flowers

Name status

Correct

Plant range
E Europe

How to grow

Cultivation

Best grown in moisture retentive, fertile, well-drained soil in partial shade but will tolerate most soils, full sun and some shade. Staking (see staking perennials) may be necessary

Propagation

Divide every third year in autumn or late winter to maintain vigour but sometimes plants are slow to re-establish. Use protective gloves when handling any part of the plant

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required except cutting back dead stems; use protective gloves

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to crown rot, Verticillium wilt, bacterial spotting of the foliage and powdery mildews

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