Species monkshood
blue-purple flowers with lime-green leaves and beige stems

monkshood

Aconitum volubile

Monkshood (Aconitum volubile) is an amazing plant species whose remarkable beauty and powerful chemistry has been intriguing humans for thousands of years. It's striking blue-violet flowers, often times featuring a hood-like shape, grow densely along tall stalks in mid-summer, making it a unique addition to any garden. Its active ingredient, aconite, has been used medicinally for centuries and acts as a sedative and an analgesic. Its toxic properties make it ideal for its use as a natural insecticide, as well as an antidote to certain poisons. Its mysterious characteristics make Monkshood a must-have plant species for anyone looking for a unique and captivating piece of nature in their home.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Purple Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Poisonous To Humans:

Yes

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Monkshood (Aconitum volubile) should be watered well every 1-2 weeks during the growing season which is usually from spring to fall. During the hot summer months, water more frequently and try to find a cool location as this plant is not heat tolerant. Water until the soil is moist but not soggy. It’s best to water monkshood in the morning so that the water will have had time to evaporate before nightfall. During the winter, the plant does not need to be watered as often as during the warmer seasons. Water enough to just keep the soil from completely drying out.

sunlight

Monkshood (Aconitum volubile) thrives in bright, full sunlight. This plant needs 4 to 6 hours of direct sun each day, preferably in the morning hours. It's best to avoid extreme heat or hot midday sun which may scorch the leaves. Overly shady locations are not recommended as the lack of sunlight can cause this species to become spindly and disease prone.

pruning

Monkshood should be pruned in early to mid spring just before or after new growth begins to emerge. Pruning should be done carefully; remove spent stems and light thinning to promote a bushier habit and encourage more blooms. Monkshood is very tolerant of pruning and can grow back quickly even when clipped. Cutting the plant down to the base can be done to stimulate a more compact and blooming habit, however, this should be done carefully as too much pruning could cause the plant to become stressed and affect its overall health.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Monkshood typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Monkshood typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map