Partial Shade
Moderate care
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
6a
USDA zone
-23°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
1.5m | Max | 50cm |
1m | Min | 10cm |
5 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
More images of Monkshood
Monkshood Overview
Aconitum napellus is a stunning mid to late summer flowering perennial for the back of borders. It's common name "Wolfsbane" is believed to be because it was included in bait to kill wolves and foxes. Handle with care (gloves & long sleeves) and you will be rewarded with beautiful blue-dark violet, pea-shaped, hooded flowers above attractive dark green foliage.
Common problems with Monkshood
Generally pest free
How to harvest Monkshood
Generally not harvested
How to propagate Monkshood
Division
Divide in autumn every 2/3 yrs but it can be slow to re-establish.
Seed
Requires a cold spell to activate germination. Direct sow or in pots in autumn. Alternatively, in spring, refrigerate the seeds for 2 weeks then sow as normal. Germination can take 2 to 4 weeks and maybe erratic.
Special features of Monkshood
Attracts bees
Other uses of Monkshood
Placed at the back of flower borders and beds this plant suits formal urban spaces to informal cottage gardens. A useful plant that is resistant to rabbits.
