Aconitum carmichaelii (Wilsonii Group) 'Spätlese'
monk's hood 'Spätlese'
Upright, clump-forming, herbaceous perennial to around 1.5m in height. It has finely-divided, glossy dark green leaves and short spikes of light blue, hooded flowers in early to late autumn
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Blue | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Best grown in moisture retentive, fertile soil in partial shade but sun and most soils are tolerated. Staking may be necessary (see staking perennials)
Propagation
Propagate by division in autumn or late winter to maintain vigour, although plants can be slow to re-establish. Use gloves when handling plants as all parts are highly toxic
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Architectural
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Tall stems can be pruned down in late autumn when flowering is finished
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to fungal stem rot and verticillium wilt
Get involved
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