Overview
Aconitum heterophyllum is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Aconitum, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Aconitum heterophyllum 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
Aconitum heterophyllum, also called atish/atis/patis/ativish/atvika, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Aconitum. It is used in Indian systems of traditional medicine including Ayurveda and called विषा or अतिविषा (IAST: viṣā, ativiṣā) in Sanskrit. Medicinal Use : Roots are used to cure dysentery, diarrhea, fever, malarial fever, cough, cold colic, headache, piles, hysteria, throat infection, cure for dyspepsia, especially when appetite is lost after illness and also in vomiting, abdominal pain and diabetes. 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. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and north-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in a suitable position. Water during establishment.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Aconitum heterophyllum
About the genus
Aconitum, also known as aconite, monkshood, wolfsbane, devil's helmet, or blue rocket, is a genus of over 250 species of flowering plants belonging to the family Ranunculaceae. These herbaceous, frequently toxic perennial plants are chiefly native to the mountainous parts of the Northern Hemisphere in North America, Europe, and Asia, growing in the moisture-retentive but well-draining soils of mountain meadows.
Wikipedia contributors, "Aconitum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Aconitum
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 heterophyllum 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 heterophyllum
- 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 heterophyllum?
Aconitum heterophyllum prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Aconitum heterophyllum need?
Aconitum heterophyllum 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 heterophyllum hardy in the UK?
Aconitum heterophyllum 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 heterophyllum?
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.