About

Aconitum japonicum subsp. napiforme is a low-growing perennial, reaching heights of 30 to 50 cm. It features small, palmate leaves that are deeply divided and have a shiny dark green appearance, supported by leaf stalks. In late summer and continuing into autumn, this plant produces dense clusters of hooded violet-blue flowers arranged in terminal racemes.

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

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Plant type

Herbaceous Perennial

Habit

Clump forming

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

0.5-1 metres

Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Time to full height

2-5 years

Suggested uses

Architectural, 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

Grows best in deep, cool, moisture-retentive soil in partial shade, but will also tolerate most soils and full sun if soil is humus-rich and protected with mulch to ensure that it is moist throughout the growing season; use protective gloves

Pruning

No pruning required except cutting back dead stems; use protective gloves

Propagation

Propagate by division in autumn or late winter; division every few years may encourage good flowering stems, though plants may be slow to re-establish; use protective gloves

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