Overview
Aconitum × bicolor 'Blue Sceptre' is a plant with a clump-forming habit in the genus Aconitum, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with dark green, deeply lobed foliage. Aconitum × bicolor 'Blue Sceptre' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, woodland gardens and wildflower meadows.
About
Aconitum × bicolor 'Blue Sceptre' is a clump-forming cultivar of the Aconitum genus, known for its dark green, deeply lobed foliage. It thrives in partial shade and prefers a sheltered position with moist but well-drained neutral loam soil. Hardy to UK zone H7, this cultivar is suitable for borders, woodland gardens, and wildflower meadows. Propagation is best achieved by division every third year in autumn or late winter.
About the genus
Aconitum, also known as aconite, monkshood, wolfsbane, devil's helmet, or blue rocket, is a genus of over 250 species of flowering plants belonging to the family Ranunculaceae. These herbaceous, frequently toxic perennial plants are chiefly native to the mountainous parts of the Northern Hemisphere in North America, Europe, and Asia, growing in the moisture-retentive but well-draining soils of mountain meadows.
Wikipedia contributors, "Aconitum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Aconitum
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Aconitum
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Aconitum × bicolor 'Blue Sceptre' size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Dark green, deeply lobed
- Suggested uses
- Borders, woodland gardens, wildflower meadows
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Aconitum × bicolor 'Blue Sceptre'
- Propagation
- Division every third year in autumn or late winter
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free, may be susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to fungal stem rot and verticillium wilt
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Aconitum × bicolor 'Blue Sceptre'?
Aconitum × bicolor 'Blue Sceptre' prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Aconitum × bicolor 'Blue Sceptre' need?
Aconitum × bicolor 'Blue Sceptre' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Aconitum × bicolor 'Blue Sceptre' hardy in the UK?
Aconitum × bicolor 'Blue Sceptre' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Aconitum × bicolor 'Blue Sceptre'?
Division every third year in autumn or late winter.