Aconitum carmichaelii
Carmichael's monk's hood
Clump-forming species perennial, very variable in height from 60cm to 2m tall, but usually about 1.2m, with 3 to 5-lobed leathery dark green leaves. Dense panicles of large pale violet or pale blue flowers to 1.5m in height, are produced in autumn
Synonyms
Aconitum fischeri misappliedAconitum maximum
see moreAconitum fischeri J. Forbes & Hemsl.
Aconitum wilsonii
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 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 Purple | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–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
Correct
- Plant range
- C & W China, N. America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows best in deep, cool, moisture-retentive soil in partial shade, but will also tolerate most soils and full sun if soil is humus-rich and protected with mulch to ensure that it is moist throughout the growing season, staking may be required; use protective gloves
Propagation
Propagate by division in autumn or late winter; division every few years may encourage good flowering stems, though plants may be slow to re-establish; use protective gloves
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Architectural
- 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 and Verticillium wilt
Get involved
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