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Saturday, 31 May 2008 19:00 |
 Plants in the genus of Aconitum are invaluable for their ability to provide glorious color to the perennial garden in mid to late summer. A member of the Ranunculaceae family, Aconitum has about 250 species most of which are native to Europe and Asia where they are found in moist areas with good drainage. There are some western North American natives as well but they are not well known in the trade.
Aconitum grow well in full sun to part shade - the greater the light levels the more moisture is required and the further south you are located the more shade they will prefer. The flowers are generally borne on tall spikes and resemble a helmet or a monk's cowl, giving rise to one of its most prevalent common names - Monkshood. Due to the wide native range there are many monikers for these long-lived perennials.
Another folk name - Wolf's bane - reminds us that all parts of this plant, especially the roots and the seeds, are toxic; it should not be ingested and gloves should be worn when working with it. But don't let this dissuade you from getting to know these beauties, the midnight blue flowers of the most readily available species and cultivars are particularly striking, but the pinks, whites and yellows should not be overlooked either. The foliage is generally deeply lobed and dark green, sometimes quite glossy and always attractive. Both the blooms and the foliage last well when cut, but again, care must be taken to keep pets out of the vase water and children from putting any parts of the plant in their mouths. There are few pests or diseases that afflict Aconitum, including rabbits and deer who find the toxicity to be a noteworthy deterrent. Aconites are hardy from zones 3-7.
Aconitum cammarum 'Bicolor'The lower petals of this garden classic are a deep azure blue, while the hood is a soft white with blue streaking imparting a lovely bicolor effect. Flowering takes place July and August on plants reaching 3' to 4' (120 cm) tall with a spread of about 2' (60 cm). These make wonderful specimen or border plants, and blue is such a rare color at this time of year.
Aconitum cammarum 'Pink Sensation' PP12661Bred by noted plantsman Piet Oudolf by crossing A. cammarum and A. carmichaelii the flowers of this cultivar are a stunning and rare powder pink color with a carmine throat. They are produced on strong stems that will reach 3' to 4' (120 cm) in height and require a space of about 2' (60cm). A wonderful cut flower.
Aconitum henryi 'Spark's Variety'The flowers are a deep amethyst blue and are produced on long, somewhat weak stems. If you want height from this cultivar it is best to stake it, but the semi-vining habit it will adopt if left unrestrained can be very effective in a more casual garden. The stems will scramble through neighboring shrubs or create an informal clump if there is no support whatsoever, producing bright blue jewels that shine through the foliage for about 8 weeks in late summer. If staked 'Sparks' can reach 6' to 7' (2m+) but without support a 2' (20cm) mound is more to be expected.
Aconitum napellus 'Album'While the straight species produces deep blue flowers, this cultivar, as the name suggests, has lovely creamy white blooms. It is showy for an extended period of time in late summer and wonderful if cut for arrangements. A good strong sturdy growth habit is to be expected while a typical height would again be 3' to 4' (120 cm) with a spread of 2' (60 cm).
Aconitum napellus 'Blue Valley'Extra large clear blue flowers are the claim to fame of this form. The same excellent foliage, form and growth habit can be anticipated from this cultivar as from the above white-blooming selection. |
