Aconitum , also known as aconite , helmet flower , wolfbane , leopard ’s scourge , devil ’s helmet , or blue rocket , is a genus of over 250 specie of bloom flora belonging to the home Ranunculaceae . The name “ aconitum ” is derived from the Greek news “ akon , ” which means dart or javelin , possibly bear on to the plant ’s diachronic use as a poison on weapons . The name “ helmetflower ” comes from the flower ’s resemblance to a Thelonious Sphere Monk ’s bonnet .
Aconitum specie are native to the mountainous regions of the Northern Hemisphere , including North America , Europe , and Asia . Historically , the works has been assort with both cosmetic and medicinal utilisation , though it is infamous for its toxic properties .
Monkshood is a tall , herbaceous perennial plant that can grow up to 2 - 5 feet tall . It have dark unripe , palmate leaves with deep lobes and raceme of large , zygomorphic flowers1 . The flower derive in shades of dark , empurpled , white , white-livered , or pink and have a distinctive hood - corresponding shape due to the curved top sepal .
Interesting variety of monkshood include Aconitum septentrionale “ Ivorine , ” with prime of creamy lily-white , and Aconitum cammarum “ Bicolor , ” with efflorescence blotch with white and blue . One of the tallest cultivars , the amethyst blue - bloom Aconitum henryi “ Spark ’s Variety , ” reaches over 5 foot improbable if staked , but otherwise be given to vine and can even be train to a trellis .
depend on the motley , monkshood blooms any time between mid - summer and late summertime with magnificent 2- to 5 - foot - tall spires of deep purple or disconsolate helmet - shaped flower .
Characteristics
Cultivation
Soil : Monkshood prefers moist , well - debilitate , hummus - rich soil . It does well in loamy dirt but can adapt to various soil types as long as they are not waterlogged or too dry .
Planting : Best planted in spring or early autumn . Plant tubers about 2 in deep . Space plants about 12 - 18 column inch apart to allow for growth and air circulation .
tearing : want consistent moisture , especially during the growing season . mulch around the base can assist hold back moisture and keep roots cool . However , ensure the soil is n’t waterlogged to prevent root decomposition .
spark : choose fond wraith to full Lord’s Day , but in hotter climates , some afternoon shade is beneficial . Too much sun can make the leave to droop , especially if the territory is n’t maintain moist .
Temperature : Monkshood thrives in cooler conditions , making it suitable for temperate climates . It can tolerate cold winters , being hardy in USDA zone 3 - 7 , but might demand protection in zones where temperature drop severely .
Fertilization : A light program of a balanced fertilizer in early spring can promote vigorous growth . Compost or well - rot manure add in the descent or other leap also benefits the flora .
pesterer and Diseases : Generally repellent to most pest and diseases due to its toxic nature , but watch for aphids , slugs , and snails . Powdery mildew can hap in excessively pissed condition or if air circulation is poor .
Propagation : Best disperse by dividing the tuberous roots in former saltation before new development start . Can also be grow from seed , though it conduct longer to bloom . seed should be inseminate in fall for instinctive stratification .
