Aconitum (Monkshood)
at Digging Dog

Including Aconitum x cammarum, Aconitum fischeri, Aconitum carmichaelii, & Aconitum napellus

Aconitum

Monkshood

First cultivated in the mid-1500s, Aconitum derivatives were used as both a medicine and a poison, and an unwanted husband might have easily met his end while drinking his dear wife’s tonic. Simply Medieval! Leaves, stems and roots are poisonous, but the stately Aconitum still deserves a place in our gardens because of the unusual late season blooms it hoists in masses on stalwart stems.

An excellent cut flower, unique for its large, draped sepal, Aconitum loves moist, but not wet soils, cool summer nights, and protection from the heat of the day. Perfect in the border or at woodland’s edge, their bold presence makes an engaging companion to Anemone, Helenium and late blooming Persicaria.

Aconitum carmichaelii ‘Arendsii’   

For this fine cut flower’s plentiful show of large, vividly violet-hued flowers embellishing tall spikes, and its vigorous stature, many gardeners consider ‘Arendsii’ to be among the best of the late flowering Aconitums. Broadly segmented, deep green leaves have a lustrous, leathery quality. Plant Kniphofia linearifolia nearby and enjoy a late summer splash of color.

Blooms July–early October.

Size: 3-1/2' high x 18" wide; hardy to zone 4.

Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii (p-0820)
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Aconitum fischeri   

With straight-up sturdy stems and hooded, crystal clear violet-blue spires, this dignified Aconitum commands our attention. Polished, trilobed and dark forest green leaves attire the highly prized, low growing compact frame that never needs staking.

Come late summer, the front lines of a border are easily tempered by its composed floral hues.

Blooms August–September.

Size: 2' high x 12" wide; hardy to zone 4.

Aconitum fischeri (P-1349)
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Aconitum x cammarum ‘Bressingham Spire’     

A stockier, dignified cultivar that doesn't need staking, this Aconitum's deep blue-violet spires are narrow and tapered. Helmetlike flowers line the straight, sturdy stems, each central shaft first showing color, than the side spikes following suit. Anchored by a compact, bushy mass of polished and narrowly fingered, dark forest greenery, ‘Bressingham Spire’s cool-colored floral display soothes Centaurea macrocephala’s sun-struck blooms.

Blooms June–August.

Size: 2'–3' high x 18" wide; hardy to zone 4.

Aconitum x cammarum Bressingham Spire (P-1243)
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Aconitum x cammarum ‘Stainless Steel’   

Lavish steel blue shafts are the great reward of this easy-to-cultivate perennial. Cloaking strong stems, the glossy grayish green foliage is deeply divided into narrow fingers. Crocosmia ‘Eastern Promise’s orange flowers make a satisfying complement to the smoky hue of ‘Stainless Steel’.

Blooms mid-June–August.

Size: 3-1/2' high x 18" wide; hardy to zone 4.

Aconitum x cammarum Stainless Steel (p-0870)
Each $8.50
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