Overview

Aconitum × bicolor 'Bressingham Spire' is a plant with a clump forming habit in the genus Aconitum, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Aconitum × bicolor 'Bressingham Spire' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, architectural, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.

About

Aconitum × bicolor 'Bressingham Spire' is a clump-forming deciduous cultivar of the Aconitum genus, belonging to the Ranunculaceae family. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and is adaptable to various soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained conditions. Suitable for all garden aspects and exposure levels, it is hardy in the UK (H7) and fits well in cottage, informal, architectural, and wildlife gardens, as well as flower borders and beds. 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 4.0Aconitum

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Aconitum

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Aconitum × bicolor 'Bressingham Spire' size, habit and characteristics

Habit
Clump forming
Foliage
Deciduous
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Architectural, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Aconitum × bicolor 'Bressingham Spire'

Propagation
Division every third year in autumn or late winter
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free but 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 'Bressingham Spire'?

Aconitum × bicolor 'Bressingham Spire' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Aconitum × bicolor 'Bressingham Spire' need?

Aconitum × bicolor 'Bressingham Spire' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Aconitum × bicolor 'Bressingham Spire' hardy in the UK?

Aconitum × bicolor 'Bressingham Spire' 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 'Bressingham Spire'?

Division every third year in autumn or late winter.