Melinda Myers

Monkshood

Botanical Name

Aconitum

Min Zone

3

Max Zone

7

Height

3 to 4 feet

Width

12 to 18 inches

Flowers

Mid to late summer: blue, violet

Light

Full sun to part shade (ideal)

Soil

Moist, well-drained (prefers soils that are kept moist, but not wet, especially when grown in full sun)

Planting & Care

• Dig and divide in spring or fall, though this plant can be left in the garden for many years before that becomes necessary
• Prefers moist, but not soggy soils
• Aconitum is poisonous and care should be taken when transplanting, do not plant near vegetable gardens
• Some taller varieties may need staking

Problems

Crown rot, verticillium wilt, bacterial leaf spot, powdery mildew, rust

Varieties

• Albus - white flowers, 3 to 4 feet tall
• Bicolor - blue and white flowers, 3 to 4 feet tall
• Newry Blue - navy blue flowers, 4 to 5 feet tall