About

This herbaceous perennial reaches impressive heights, often exceeding 1.5 meters. It features branched panicles adorned with white flowers that have a hint of pale purple-blue on their hooded petals. These blooms emerge in autumn, rising above the dark green, leathery leaves, which are palmate and deeply divided.

About the genus

Aconitum consists of herbaceous perennials or biennials characterized by lobed foliage and clusters of hooded flowers arranged in racemes or panicles.

Growing conditions

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Clay, Loam, Chalk, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Plant type

Herbaceous Perennial

Habit

Columnar upright

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Spread

0.5-1 metres

Time to full height

2-5 years

Suggested uses

Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Architectural

Toxicity

TOXIC if eaten, avoid skin contact. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: TOXIC if eaten, avoid skin contact - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers

Care notes

Cultivation

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

Pruning

Tall stems can be pruned down later in autumn when flowering is finished

Propagation

Divide every third year in autumn or late winter to maintain vigour, although plants can be slow to re-establish

Pest resistance

May be susceptible to aphids

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to fungal stem rot and Verticillium wilt