About
Aconitum chasmanthum is a robust, clump-forming perennial that reaches heights of up to 1.5 meters. It features panicles of hooded, purple-blue blooms that emerge in late summer and continue into autumn. The plant is supported by dark green, leathery leaves that are palmate and deeply lobed, providing a striking contrast to the floral display.
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
- East-facing, South-facing, West-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, 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 for further advice
- Pruning
- Tall stems can be pruned down later in autumn when flowering is finished
- Propagation
- Propagate by division 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