Aconitum fischeri |
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Photo Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
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| | Common Name: Monkshood-Azure
Common Name (Alternative): Wolfsbane |
A welcome plant in the perennial border, A. fischeri sends up striking upright spikes of lavender-blue flowers from late summer to early fall when few other blue flowers are in bloom. Each individual flower is shaped like a little helmet or hood, thus the common name Monkshood.
This species has particularly strong stems that will not require staking. The distinctive, deeply divided, dark green, glossy foliage provides interest when the plant is not in bloom.
Origin: Not Native to North America
Characteristics:
Height:
18-24 Inches
Spread:
12-18 Inches
Flower Color:
Purple-blue shades
Foliage Color:
Green shades
Sun or Shade?:
Full sun (> 6 hrs. direct sun)
Part shade (4-6 hrs. direct sun)
Wet or dry?:
Average water needs
Consistent water needs
Need critter resistant plants?:
Deer resistant
Rabbit resistant
How fast should it grow?:
Medium
When should it bloom?:
Late summer
Early fall
How's your soil?:
Fertile Soil
Sweet or Sour Soil?:
Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0)
Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)
What's your garden style?:
Eclectic
Aconitum prefers to be grown in partial shade but will tolerate full sun if plenty of moisture is available. Dry soil leads to stunting. The soil should also be amended with generous amounts of compost and peat moss to give it a slight acidity. They are slow to increase and won't need to be divided often. However, plants may be divided in spring or fall.
Aconitums are highly resistant to diseases and pests, partially because they are very poisonous. USE CAUTION when handling this plant and wear gloves. Do not plant it near vegetable gardens or where small children play. Ingestion of any part of the plant may prove fatal.