Description
Monkshood (Aconitum) is best known for its dense spikes of pretty, purple-blue "hooded" flowers that bloom atop 2-4' tall plants. The ferny foliage is attractive and provides a nice textural component. From a distance, Monkshood looks like Delphinium and provides a similar vertical accent in the garden. It blooms for weeks from mid to late summer and makes a great companion plant to Purple Coneflowers, Sedum 'Autumn Joy' and New England Asters.
Does best in full sun and moist soil, but will tolerate part shade. May need to be staked in part shade. Deer, rodent and rabbit resistant! Easy to grow, hardy and long-lived, Monkshood resents being disturbed and may take a year after planting to look its best.
NOTE: ALL PARTS OF THIS PLANT ARE HIGHLY POISONOUS to humans and animals if ingested. Locate away from areas where children and pets could access it. Wear disposable gloves when handling and do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth after being in contact with this plant as the sap is also poisonous. Do not use as a cut flower. Do not compost.