Aconitum, Aconite, Monkshood, Monk's Coule 'Bressingham Spire'

Aconitum

Family
Ranunculaceae (ra-nun-kew-LAY-see-ee)
Genus
Aconitum (a-kon-EYE-tum)
Synonym
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Herbaceous
This plant is resistant to deer
Smooth
Textured
Height
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Spacing
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 2a: to -45.5 °C (-50 °F)
USDA Zone 2b: to -42.7 °C (-45 °F)
USDA Zone 3a: to -39.9 °C (-40 °F)
USDA Zone 3b: to -37.2 °C (-35 °F)
USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F)
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
Danger
All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Pollen may cause allergic reaction
Bloom Color
Blue-Violet
Bloom Time
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Other Details
Category
Perennials
Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Flowers are good for cutting
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information
Propagation Methods
By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets)
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
Direct sow as soon as the ground can be worked
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Seed does not store well; sow as soon as possible
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Oakland, California

Brookfield, Connecticut

Montpelier, Vermont

Mc Lean, Virginia

Olympia, Washington

Featured Videos

Gardener's Notes:

3
positives
0
neutral
0
negative
Sort By:
Sort By:
I
I
Brookfield, CT | October 2007 | positive

Love this plant - it's been in bloom in my garden for weeks, deep blue/purple blooms against cotinus Velvet Cloak, with Hot Lips turtlehe...Read More

M
Montpelier, VT (Zone 4b) | July 2007 | positive

This provides an interesting specimen all growing season. It has deeply serrated leaves and tall spires that do not go unnoticed. In the ...Read More

V
(Zone 8a) | October 2006 | positive

Awarded the RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)

Bred by Alan Bloom as his nursery at Bressingham, Norfolk, UK.

...Read More

Featured
American Giant Millipede
(Narceus americanus)
Tree Pipit
(Anthus trivialis)
Featured
American Giant Millipede
(Narceus americanus)
Tree Pipit
(Anthus trivialis)