Aconitum napellus Rubellum

The Aconitum napellus 'Rubellum' is a pretty white-pink flowering form of Aconitum napel, quite rare in cultivation. This montane perennial, also known as Jupiter's Helmet due to the shape of its flowers, is in no way inferior to its counterparts. With the charm of wild plants, the 'Rubellum' aconite produces slender flowering stems in summer adorned with pink-tinged flowers that sway above a beautiful vegetation composed of large, finely cut leaves in a glossy dark green colour. This privileged guest of cool and semi-shaded areas in the garden is a reliable and floriferous plant, perfect for filling the back of perennial borders.

Widespread in hilly or mountainous regions throughout Europe as well as in temperate regions of Asia, Aconitum napel is an herbaceous perennial of the buttercup family, like its cousin Delphinium. The selection 'Rubellum', which may be slightly shorter than the wild form, stands out for its delicate white flowers with pink tinges. This plant grows from a fleshy tuberous rootstock from which an erect clump emerges in spring, consisting of sparsely hairy stems bearing tough, almost spherical, deeply palmate leaves with a fringed appearance. These leaves have deep veins and are a very dark green color, with a glossy surface. In July-August, flower spikes adorned with helmet-shaped flowers wider than they are tall unfurl at the tips of the flowering stems, their substance beautifully reflecting light. The flowering plant measures at least 1m (3ft) in height and 30 to 50 cm (12 to 20in) in width. The species napellus is the most toxic of all, and one of the most deadly plants in our flora if the roots are ingested.

Aconites have a bad reputation due to their legendary toxicity, which is a great shame because they deserve a place in every garden, in moist soil. They are robust, very hardy, and their foliage is among the most beautiful among perennial plants. They are perfect for the back of borders, alongside delphiniums, foxgloves, and baneberries, creating enchanting shady summer scenes. They can be planted among bushes, sheltered from the wind that sometimes bends their stems, alongside Japanese anemones that will take over after their flowering. They also look stunning in front of the purple foliage of Physocarpus or Rodgersias. They are good perennials, like foxgloves, for light and cool woodland areas. Finally, their flowers are magnificent in bouquets.