Aconitum carmichaelii (syn. a. fischeri) autumn monkshood, azure monkshood

Autumn monkshood, sometimes also called azure monkshood, is a showy and tall perennial flowering from late summer till autumn. It produces erect racemes of large, hooded flowers of deep violet blue flowers from September till October. The throat is decorated with dark grey stamens. The inflorescence is an erect raceme and sits atop sturdy stems one and a half (or a little more) meters tall.

The wise thing about this monkhood is that even though the blooming time is very late in the season, it offers something more to gain your attention early in the season: very attractive, deeply cut, dark green, glossy leaves which turn maroon shades before they change to yellow and fall down. Its tall stems make it an ideal choice as a vertical focal point in a border of small shrubs or at the back of a perennial bed.

Monkshood is a popular cut flower. It 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 but prefers deep and humus-rich 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 02-12-2022