Aconitum fischeri at Digging Dog Nursery |

Aconitum fischeri
at Digging Dog

Monkshood

First cultivated in the mid-1500s, Aconitum derivatives were used as both a medicine and a poison, and an unwanted husband might have easily met his end while drinking his dear wife’s tonic. Simply Medieval! Leaves, stems and roots are poisonous, but the stately Aconitum still deserves a place in our gardens because of the unusual late season blooms it hoists in masses on stalwart stems.

An excellent cut flower, unique for its large, draped sepal, Aconitum loves moist, but not wet soils, cool summer nights, and protection from the heat of the day. Perfect in the border or at woodland’s edge, their bold presence makes an engaging companion to Anemone, Helenium and late blooming Persicaria.

Aconitum fischeri

With straight-up sturdy stems and hooded, crystal clear violet-blue spires, this dignified Aconitum commands our attention. Polished, trilobed and dark forest green leaves attire the highly prized, low growing compact frame that never needs staking.

Come late summer, the front lines of a border are easily tempered by its composed floral hues.

Blooms August–September.

Size: 2' high x 12" wide; hardy to zone 4.