Aconitum camm. 'Bicolour' (Aconitum)

A very distinctive, herbaceous perennial, with tall flower spikes and dark glossy leaves. It flowers in July and August, producing hooded flowers that are white with irregular blue tips.

History

The name Aconitum is thought to have come from the greek word for 'dart' as this plant was used to make the poison on arrowheads.

Planting

Dig a hole larger than the root ball, loosen the soil at the bottom and mix in a general fertiliser.  Place the plant so that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface, backfill, firm in carefully around the roots and water in well. This will ensure good soil and root contact, and give the plant a good start.

Propagation

Division

Cultivation

Will grow well in any reasonably fertile, moisture retentive soil in sun or partial shade. It won't grow in sandy conditions and may need supporting in windy areas.

Aftercare

To provide the plant with nutrients, apply a generous mulch of well rotted organic material to the base of the plant each spring. In open, windy aspects it may need staking. Water well in hot dry conditions and divide every 2-3 years to avoid the plant getting overcrowded.  In autumn once the plant has died back, cut it down to ground level.

Pests

Trouble free.

Diseases

Trouble free.

Poisonous characteristics

All parts of the plant are toxic, handle with care.

Other information

Makes good cut flowers and is attractive to bees.

Height/Spread

A hardy herbaceous perennial flower that can grow up to 1.2m in height. Dark green deeply divided leaves form the base of the plant with 1m high flower spikes growing from the centre in July and August.  The hooded flowers are white with irregular blue tips.

Annual care

March

Apply a generous mulch of well rotted organic material to the base of the plant which will help keep the soil fertile and provide food.

July

Water well during hot dry spells.

November

Once the plant has died back, cut it down to ground level.