Overview
Aconitum vulparia is a plant with a clump forming habit in the genus Aconitum, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Aconitum vulparia grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, architectural, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.
About
Aconitum vulparia is a clump-forming cultivar of the Aconitum genus, known for its deciduous foliage. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and is adaptable to various soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained conditions. Suitable for all garden aspects and exposures, it is hardy to UK zone H7. This cultivar is well-suited to cottage and informal gardens, architectural plantings, wildlife gardens, and flower borders. Propagation is best achieved by division every third year in autumn or late winter.
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
- 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
Aconitum vulparia size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Architectural, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Aconitum vulparia
- Propagation
- Division every third year in autumn or late winter
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to fungal stem rot and verticillium wilt
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Aconitum vulparia?
Aconitum vulparia prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Aconitum vulparia need?
Aconitum vulparia is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Aconitum vulparia hardy in the UK?
Aconitum vulparia 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 vulparia?
Division every third year in autumn or late winter.