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Herbaceous Perennial

Aconitum japonicum

Japanese monk's hood

A clump-forming, upright perennial to around 1m tall with deeply divided, glossy dark green leaves to 16cm long. Panicles of hooded, deep blue flowers are borne in late summer

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Blue Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical 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

Correct

Plant range
Japan

How to grow

Cultivation

Best grown in moisture-retentive fertile soil in partial shade but sun and most soils are tolerated

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

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 fungal stem rot, powdery mildews, and Verticillium wilt

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