Monkshood 'Arendsii'

A stately and architectural perennial, Aconitum carmichaelii 'Arendsii' is prized for its late-season displays of hooded, azure-blue flowers that appear when many other border plants are fading. Reaching heights of up to 1.2 metres, it possesses stiff, upright stems and deeply lobed, leathery dark green leaves. This cultivar is particularly valued in the UK for its robust nature and resistance to wind, rarely needing staking despite its height. It thrives in cool, moist, fertile soil and is an excellent choice for a woodland edge or a partially shaded herbaceous border. Please note that all parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested and can be an irritant to skin, so handling with gloves is recommended. Its hooded blooms are a magnet for bees, providing a vital late-season nectar source. It is fully hardy (H7) across the UK, performing best where its roots remain cool and damp during the summer months.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist but well-drained, fertile soil.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: Sep, Oct.