Aconitum carmichaelii (Wilsonii Group) 'Barker's Variety'
monk's hood 'Barker's Variety'
A herbaceous perennial 1.5-1.8m high with upright stems and leathery leaves divided into three to five lobes, deep green above and pale green below, and dense panicles of hooded rich mid-blue flowers in early autumn
Synonyms
Aconitum wilsonii 'Barker's Variety'Aconitum carmichaelii 'Barker's Variety'
see moreAconitum carmichaelii var. truppelianum 'Barker's Variety'
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Blue | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- TOXIC if eaten, avoid skin contact. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Aconitum can be herbaceous perennials or biennials with lobed leaves and racemes or panicles of showy, hooded flowers
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows best in deep, cool, moisture-retentive soil in partial shade, but will also tolerate most soils and full sun if soil is humus-rich and protected with mulch to ensure that it is moist throughout the growing season; provide support if needed; use protective gloves. See staking perennials for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by division in autumn or late winter; division every few years may encourage good flowering stems, though plants may be slow to re-establish; use protective gloves
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
- Cut flowers
Pruning
No pruning required except cutting back dead stems; use protective gloves
Pests
Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to fungal stem rot, powdery mildews, and Verticillium wilt
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