About
Aconitum carmichaelii (Wilsonii Group) 'Spätlese' is a robust, clump-forming perennial that reaches approximately 1.5 meters in height. It features finely divided, shiny dark green foliage and produces short spikes adorned with light blue, hooded blooms from early to late autumn.
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
- West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 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. 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)
- Pruning
- Tall stems can be pruned down in late autumn when flowering is finished
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in autumn or late winter to maintain vigour, although plants can be slow to re-establish. Use gloves when handling plants as all parts are highly toxic
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to fungal stem rot and verticillium wilt