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
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
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
H7Botanical 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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