Overview
Aconitum × bicolor 'Spark's Variety' is a plant with a clump forming habit in the genus Aconitum, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Aconitum × bicolor 'Spark's Variety' 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 'Spark's Variety' is a clump-forming cultivar of the Aconitum genus, known for its deciduous foliage. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and is adaptable to all garden aspects, including east, north, south, and west-facing positions. This cultivar tolerates a range of soil types such as chalk, clay, loam, and sand, preferring moist but well-drained conditions with acid, alkaline, or neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H7, it suits cottage, informal, architectural, and wildlife gardens, as well as flower borders and beds. Propagation is best done 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
- 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 'Spark's Variety' 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 'Spark's Variety'
- 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 'Spark's Variety'?
Aconitum × bicolor 'Spark's Variety' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Aconitum × bicolor 'Spark's Variety' need?
Aconitum × bicolor 'Spark's Variety' 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 'Spark's Variety' hardy in the UK?
Aconitum × bicolor 'Spark's Variety' 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 'Spark's Variety'?
Division every third year in autumn or late winter.