The aristocratic spires of monkshood, beginning to bloom in midsummer and continuing through fall, provide an ideal bone structure for designers to use in creating a garden. Other plants, with mounded or busy forms, work with them effectively to help create great gardens.

The graceful flowers are unmatched in dappled light, although they will be quite happy in sun. With careful planning, you can plant different species of aconitum that will provide elegant presence all season long, persisting well into October.

They all require our cool summer nights to be at their best. Some of the foliages are glossy and all of them maintain their good looks all season. Expect aconitum to spread from 18-36 inches, variety dependent.

Caution: all parts of the plant are poisonous. After handling, wash hands to prevent possible irritation. Keep away from children.

Aconitum

View Details Aconitum cammarum Bressingham Spires Dark violet flowers bloom in early July. Bressingham Spires has a compact, bushy form. No staking is necessary. From Bloom’s of Bressingham. Price: $12.99 View Details Aconitum cammarum Eleanor White flowers with narrow blue edges bloom in mid July. An improved Bicolor with a more compact form. Price: $9.99 View Details Aconitum carmichaeli arendsii Elegant dark violet, hooded flowers begin to bloom in September. Sturdy, upright plants with broadly dissected, glossy green leaves. Price: $9.99 View Details Aconitum fischerii (aka carmichaelii) Clear blue, hooded flowers stand out above leathery, glossy foliage and wait to bloom 'til mid September. Price: $12.99 View Details Aconitum henryii Sparks Intense violet blue flowers bloom in mid July. Note the very finely dissected foliage. Price: $8.99