Overview
Aconitum ferox is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Aconitum, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Aconitum ferox grows best in partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and architectural.
About
A tuberous-rooted, herbaceous perennial reaching 1.0 metre tall by 0.5 metres wide and tolerant of many soil types, Aconitum ferox forms the principal source of the Indian poison known variously as bikh, bish, and nabee. The common name by which it is most often known in English is Indian Aconite, while the Hindi names used by practitioners of Ayurveda include वत्सनाभ vatsanabha (= "root resembling the navel of a child") and महाविषा mahavisha (= "great poison"). It contains large quantities of the extremely toxic alkaloid pseudaconitine (also known as nepaline, after Nepal) and is considered to be the most poisonous plant found in the Himalaya. It is native to Assam, East Himalaya, Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan and other regions. In the garden it prefers partial shade and clay and loam soil. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and architectural.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Aconitum ferox
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Aconitum
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Aconitum ferox size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Architectural
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Aconitum ferox
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in autumn or late winter to maintain vigour but plants may be slow to re-establish. Use protective gloves when handling any part of the plant
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to fungal stem rot, powdery mildews, and Verticillium wilt
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Aconitum ferox?
Aconitum ferox prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Aconitum ferox need?
Aconitum ferox grows best in clay and loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Aconitum ferox hardy in the UK?
Aconitum ferox 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 ferox?
Propagate by division in autumn or late winter to maintain vigour but plants may be slow to re-establish. Use protective gloves when handling any part of the plant.
More in the Aconitum genus
- Aconitum napellusmonk's hood
- Aconitum napellus 'Bergfürst'monk's hood 'Bergfürst'
- Aconitum violaceum
- Aconitum heterophyllum
- Aconitum spicatum