Looking for a striking and attractive plant to add to your garden or landscape? Look no further than Aconitum napellus, also known as Monk's Hood, Monk's-hood, or Venus' Chariot. This herbaceous perennial plant grows up to 1 meter tall and bears dark blue-violet, hooded flowers on tall spikes in late summer. It thrives in most soils and can even handle heavy clay soils. Plant it in spring or fall in rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun for best results. Aconitum napellus is also propagated by division of its brittle roots in fall or early spring. Be sure to handle this plant with care, as its seed and tubers are poisonous (it was used as a poison in ancient times!), and contact with bare skin can result in multi-organ failure and death. That said, with proper handling, Aconitum napellus is a beautiful addition to any garden. It is grown commercially as a cut flower, and its cultivar 'Spark's Variety' has been honored with a Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit. Give Aconitum napellus a try and add some striking blue-violet color to your garden!
