About

Aconitum napellus subsp. vulgare 'Albidum' is a robust herbaceous perennial that typically reaches a height of around 1.5 meters. It features finely dissected, dark green foliage with slender lobes. From mid to late summer, it produces upright, unbranched spikes adorned with hooded white flowers, which may exhibit a subtle grey tint.

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
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

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Clump forming
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
1-1.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Architectural
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 cool, moist, fertile soil in partial shade, but will tolerate most soils and full sun if soil is improved with well-rotted organic matter and mulched
Pruning
No pruning required except cutting back dead stems; use protective gloves
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