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Herbaceous Perennial

Aconitum carmichaelii (Wilsonii Group) 'Spätlese'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

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

Synonyms
Aconitum wilsonii 'Spätlese'
Aconitum carmichaelii var. truppelianum 'Spatlese'
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
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. Pets: TOXIC if eaten, avoid skin contact - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
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

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