Aconitum lycoctonum 'Russian Yellow'

RHS Plant Profile
monk's hood 'Russian Yellow'
monk's hood 'Russian Yellow' RHS

Synonyms

Aconitum subsp. neapolitanum 'Russian Yellow'

Herbaceous Perennial

Upright, clump-forming perennial to around 1.2m tall with deeply divided, dark green leaves. Branching stems bear heads of hooded, pale yellow flowers in summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Ranunculaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Potentially harmful
TOXIC if eatenavoid skin contact. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: TOXIC if eatenavoid 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

Prefers cool, moist, fertile soil in partial shade, but will tolerate most soils and full sun. Likely to need staking. See staking perennials for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division in autumn or late winter to maintain vigour but plants may be 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 fungal stem rot, powdery mildews, and Verticillium wilt