Share your pictures? Hide split images
I have read and agree the terms and conditions of service.
Low price

Aconitum napellus

Aconitum napellus
Monkshood, Wolfsbane, Aconite

4,0/5
18 reviews
1 reviews
2 reviews
0 reviews
6 reviews

Out of the 3 "aconitum napellus" received... one flourished as expected, with beautiful flowers; however, the other 2, planted right next to it, withered away. Why? A mystery...

Philippe, 06/06/2024

Leave a review → View all reviews →

This item is not available in your country.

Shipping country:

Schedule delivery date,

and select date in basket

This plant carries a 12 months recovery warranty

More information

This perennial Aconite is a giant fleshy-rooted plant. This European and Asian species, with its wild beauty, raises its tall aerial spikes, adorned with flowers of a satin indigo blue, in the shape of a Galea. It bears large round and glossy, highly divided leaves on rather woody stems. This favoured host of cool and rich soils is a reliable and floriferous plant for partial shade, perfect for occupying the back of perennial beds. All parts of the plant are highly toxic.
Flower size
35 cm
Height at maturity
1.20 m
Spread at maturity
60 cm
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -23°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil, Damp soil
plantfit-full

Would this plant suit my garden?

Set up your Plantfit profile →

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time March to May
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering time July to August
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Description

Aconitum napellus, also known as Monkshood or Wolf's-bane, is a montane perennial with a fleshy root that is in no way inferior to its counterparts. This European and Asian species, with its wild beauty, produces in summer its tall airy spikes, adorned with flowers of a satin indigo blue, in the shape of a helmet. It bears large, round and glossy leaves, highly divided, on rather woody stems. This privileged host of cool and fertile soils is a reliable and floriferous shade-loving plant, perfect for occupying the back of perennial borders.

 

Widely spread in hilly or mountainous zones throughout Europe but also in regions of temperate Asia, Monkshood is an herbaceous perennial of the buttercup family, like its cousin Delphinium. This plant grows from a fleshy tuberous root, from which emerges in spring an upright tuft formed by slightly hairy stems, adorned with tough and almost spherical leaves, deeply palmatisect, with an almost fringed appearance. They are deeply veined, a very dark green colour, with a glossy surface. In July-August, long spikes measuring 40cm (16in) blossom at the end of the stems, adorned with helmet-shaped flowers wider than they are tall, of a very deep indigo blue, whose substance admirably reflects the light. The flowering plant measures at least 1.20m (4ft) in height, and 30 to 50cm (12 to 20in) in width. The napellus species is the most toxic of all, and one of the deadliest plants in our flora if the roots are ingested.

 

Monkshoods suffer from a bad reputation due to their legendary toxicity, which is regrettable because they have their place in every garden. They are robust, very hardy, and their foliage is among the most beautiful among perennial plants. Not to mention the blue of their flowering, an incredible blue comparable to that of Gentians or delphiniums. They are perfect at the back of borders, in the company of foxgloves and baneberries, for enchanting shaded summer scenes. They can be planted among bushes, sheltered from the wind that sometimes bends their stems, in the company of Japanese anemones that will take over their flowering. They are also very beautiful in front of the purple foliage of Physocarpus or Cotinus 'Royal Purple'. They are good perennials, like foxgloves, for light and cool woodlands. Finally, their flowers are magnificent in bouquets.

Aconitum napellus in pictures

Aconitum napellus (Flowering) Flowering
Aconitum napellus (Foliage) Foliage
Aconitum napellus (Plant habit) Plant habit

Flowering

Flower colour blue
Flowering time July to August
Inflorescence Cluster
Flower size 35 cm
Good for cut flowers Cut flower blooms
Flowering description Deep indigo blue spires.

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour medium green
Foliage description Decdiuous

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1.20 m
Spread at maturity 60 cm
Growth rate normal

Safety measures

Potential risks Plant may be toxic if swallowed

Botanical data

Genus

Aconitum

Species

napellus

Family

Ranunculaceae

Other common names

Monkshood, Wolfsbane, Aconite

Origin

Central Europe

Product reference458621

Other Aconitum

1
From 8,90 € 8/9 cm pot
23
From 7,90 € 8/9 cm pot
18
From 8,90 € 2L/3L pot

Available in 2 sizes

19
From 5,90 € 8/9 cm pot
16
From 5,90 € 2L/3L pot

Available in 2 sizes

9
From 5,90 € 8/9 cm pot
Out of stock
From 6,90 € 8/9 cm pot
19
From 6,90 € 8/9 cm pot
25
From 8,90 € 2L/3L pot

Available in 2 sizes

Planting and care

Aconites thrive in clear undergrowth, in a sheltered position from strong winds. Aconitum napellus will appreciate a deep, cool, limestone to neutral soil. It prefers shady situations, but tolerates the sun, but the soil must be constantly moist and never dry out. For this reason, it is recommended to use a mulch in summer to maintain some freshness. The soil that welcomes it will be enriched with compost and turf, which will give it a slight acidity. Stake the tallest flower spikes to prevent them from bending. Caution, Aconitum napellus is toxic.

6
19,50 €
16
14,50 € Each

Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time March to May

Intended location

Suitable for Woodland edge
Type of use Border
Hardiness Hardy down to -23°C (USDA zone 6a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 5 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Neutral, Calcareous
Soil type Clayey (heavy), Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, Damp soil, Deep.

Care

Pruning instructions Typical for flowering herbaceous.
Pruning No pruning necessary
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
4,0/5

Bare-root perennials

36
From 4,90 € 8/9 cm pot

Available in 3 sizes

21
From 8,90 € 2L/3L pot

Available in 2 sizes

27
From 6,90 € 8/9 cm pot

Available in 3 sizes

7
From 8,90 € 2L/3L pot

Available in 2 sizes

30
From 7,90 € 2L/3L pot

Available in 2 sizes

59
From 8,90 € 2L/3L pot

Available in 2 sizes

9
From 8,90 € 2L/3L pot

Available in 2 sizes

46
From 8,90 € 8/9 cm pot

Available in 3 sizes

16
From 8,90 € 2L/3L pot

Available in 2 sizes

14
From 6,90 € 8/9 cm pot

Available in 3 sizes

Haven't found what you were looking for?

We only deliver seed and bulb products to your country. If you add other products to your basket, they cannot be shipped.