Wolf's Bane

A refined and elegant alternative to the common monkshood, Aconitum lycoctonum subsp. vulparia is a classic woodland perennial for the UK garden. It produces tall, slender racemes of pale, creamy-yellow hooded flowers that appear from midsummer. Unlike traditional blue aconites, its foliage is deeply divided and palmately lobed, adding a delicate texture to shaded borders. It is exceptionally hardy (H7) and thrives in moist, cool, humus-rich soil in partial shade. Growing up to 1.2 metres, it is ideal for the back of a woodland border. Caution is advised as all parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested and can be a skin irritant. It is a long-lived plant that resents disturbance once established, making it a reliable fixture in a permanent planting scheme where it can naturalise gently. Its vertical habit provides excellent contrast to the mounding forms of ferns and hostas.

Sun: Partial shade.

Soil: Moist but well-drained, humus-rich loam.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: Jun, cls, Aug.