About

Aconitum carmichaelii (Wilsonii Group) 'Kelmscott' is a robust, clump-forming perennial that reaches heights of up to 1.5 meters. It features deeply lobed, glossy dark green foliage. In autumn, it produces short, upright, branched spikes adorned with hooded, deep lavender-blue blooms.

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
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Bushy
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, Architectural, Wildlife gardens
Toxicity
TOXIC if eaten, avoid skin contact. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. TOXIC to pets if eaten. See potentially harmful plants for further advice and emergency 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
No pruning required except cutting back dead stems; use protective gloves
Propagation
Propagate by division every third year in autumn or late winter to maintain vigour, although plants can be slow to re-establish. Use protective gloves when handling plants
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to fungal stem rot and Verticillium wilt