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Herbaceous Perennial

Aconitum carmichaelii

Carmichael's monk's hood

An upright habit and leathery leaves. Dense panicles of large violet or blue flowers are produced in autumn

Synonyms

Aconitum fischeri misapplied
Aconitum maximum
see moreAconitum fischeri J. Forbes & Hemsl.
Aconitum wilsonii

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Ultimate height

1.5–2.5 metres

Time to ultimate height

2–5 years

Ultimate spread

0.5–1 metres

Clay

Loam

Moisture

Moist but well–drained

pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun
Partial shade

Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure

Sheltered

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

Botanical details

Family: Ranunculaceae
Native to the UK: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Columnar upright
Potentially harmful: All parts are highly toxic if eaten, all parts may be harmful through 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

Best grown in moisture-retentive fertile soil in partial shade but sun and most soils are tolerated. Support may be necessary - see staking perennials for further advice

Propagation

Divide 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
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Tall stems can be pruned down later in 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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