Aconitum napellus 'ALBUM'

Monkshood belongs among original plants in Central Europe. It grows wildly in sub alpine, partly shaded edges of woodlands and at riversides. It is a showy perennial flowering in summer. The blossoms are usually indigo blue, however, there are varieties combining blue, violet, and white.

Album is a unique monkshood variety with purely white flowers hiding a whorl of yellow green stamens inside something that does look like a hood of a monk's coat. They are formed in erect racemes on stems that can be 1.5 tall which makes it a popular cut flower. Individual flowers open up from early July and continue blooming by end August as the stems grow taller. Leaves are deeply lobed, almost dissected, mid green, very ornamental.

Monkshood is used especially in Chinese medicine, yet some caution is advised when working with the plant as all its parts are highly poisonous. Wearing gloves is suggested.

It grows in almost any moist soil. It likes full sun or part shade. Fertilizing is not necessary but may enhance flowering – producing shorter racemes just below the main one. Fully hardy to about -40°C (USDA zone 3).

Last update 22-07-2019