Overview
Aconitum napellus is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Aconitum, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Aconitum napellus grows best in partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and any pH.
About
Aconitum napellus, monkshood, aconite, Venus' chariot or wolfsbane, is a species of highly toxic flowering plants in the genus Aconitum of the family Ranunculaceae, native and endemic to western and central Europe. A perennial plant, it is herbaceous and grows to 1 m (3 ft 3 in) tall, with hairless stems and leaves. The leaves are rounded, 5–10 cm (2.0–3.9 in) diameter, palmately divided into five to seven deeply lobed segments. The flowers are dark purple to bluish-purple, narrow oblong helmet-shaped, 1–2 cm (0.39–0.79 in) tall. Mature plants reach roughly 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. In the garden it prefers partial shade and clay and loam soil. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, poorly-drained conditions and north-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Aconitum napellus
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, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
Plant details
Aconitum napellus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Aconitum napellus?
Aconitum napellus prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Aconitum napellus need?
Aconitum napellus 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 poorly-drained.
How big does Aconitum napellus grow?
Aconitum napellus reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.