Skip to content
Log inStart trial

Monkshood

Aconitum Napellus

Design with this plant

Overview

Monkshood, Aconitum napellus, prized for deep blue-violet flowers resembling medieval hoods, reaches up to 4 feet tall. Thriving in USDA Zones 3-7, it prefers partially shaded areas with well-drained, moist soil. Flowering midsummer to early fall, this perennial offers a stately presence. Exercise caution: all parts are highly toxic if ingested. Ideal for adding vertical interest in woodland gardens or border backdrops. Maintain a distance from edible plants and children's play areas.

Sun Full, HalfWater MediumZones 3–7Type PerennialClimate Mediterranean
Monkshood (Aconitum Napellus) — thus it should be placed with caution; exercise caution: all parts are highly toxic if ingested, image 94

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Medium
USDA zones
3–7

Shape & size

Mature height
2–4 Ft.
Mature width
1–1.5 Ft.

Classification

Type
Perennial
Family
Ranunculaceae
Climate
Mediterranean

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (170)

Monkshood (Aconitum Napellus) — reminiscent of the hoods worn by medieval monks - hence its common name; every part of the plant is poisonous if ingested
Monkshood (Aconitum Napellus) — scientifically known as Aconitum napellus
Monkshood (Aconitum Napellus) — or behind shorter plants that contrast its deep purple hues; maintain a distance from edible plants and children's, image 150
Monkshood (Aconitum Napellus) — blue and white flowers in the garden; is a striking perennial that offers distinct deep purple, image 128
Monkshood (Aconitum Napellus) — scientifically known as Aconitum napellus; prized for deep blue-violet flowers resembling medieval hoods
Monkshood (Aconitum Napellus) — scientifically known as Aconitum napellus; prized for deep blue-violet flowers resembling medieval hoods, image 60
Monkshood (Aconitum Napellus) — reaches up to 4 feet tall; thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 7, image 54
Monkshood (Aconitum Napellus) — reaching from 2 to 4 feet tall.<br><br>When designing with Monkshood; reminiscent of the hoods worn by medieval, image 117
Monkshood (Aconitum Napellus) — Exercise caution: all parts are highly toxic if ingested
Monkshood (Aconitum Napellus) — or behind shorter plants that contrast its deep purple hues; maintain a distance from edible plants and children's, image 124
Monkshood (Aconitum Napellus) — this plant demands attention in any garden with its bold blooms and impressive height; thriving in USDA Zones 3-7, it prefers
Monkshood (Aconitum Napellus) — Exercise caution: all parts are highly toxic if ingested; ideal for adding vertical interest in woodland gardens or, image 135
Monkshood (Aconitum Napellus) — Maintain a distance from edible plants and children's play areas; or behind shorter plants that contrast its deep purple hues
Monkshood (Aconitum Napellus) — Thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 7; requiring minimal maintenance, image 115
Monkshood (Aconitum Napellus) — perennial for full or half; which will help in preventing powdery mildew, image 78
Monkshood (Aconitum Napellus) — it is imperative to recognize both its beauty and toxicity; away from areas frequented by pets or children
Monkshood (Aconitum Napellus) — it is imperative to recognize both its beauty and toxicity; away from areas frequented by pets or children, image 144
Monkshood (Aconitum Napellus) — or behind shorter plants that contrast its deep purple hues; maintain a distance from edible plants and children's play areas
Monkshood (Aconitum Napellus) — as long as they are moist and well-draining.<br><br>Blooming from mid to late summer; perennial for full or half, image 123
Monkshood (Aconitum Napellus) — Flowering midsummer to early fall, this perennial offers a stately presence
Monkshood (Aconitum Napellus) — Maintain a distance from edible plants and children's play areas; or behind shorter plants that contrast its deep, image 59
Monkshood (Aconitum Napellus) — Flowering midsummer to early fall, this perennial offers a stately presence; perennial with blue and white blooms
Monkshood (Aconitum Napellus) — It prefers part to full shade and does well in a range of soil types; as long as they are moist and, image 148
Monkshood (Aconitum Napellus) — This plant pairs well with ferns and astilbes, which complement its preferred conditions and flowering period
Photographs by 16 contributors

Related plants

Anemone Clematis (Clematis Montana) — it is essential to provide it with well-drained soil and a position in full sun to partial shade

Vine

Anemone Clematis

Clematis Montana

FullUSDA 3–10
Arabella Clematis (Clematis X 'Arabella') — Each blossom spans 2-3 inches across, adding vibrant color and visual interest

Shrub

Arabella Clematis

Clematis X 'Arabella'

FullUSDA 4–9
Beesia (Beesia Deltophylla) — is an evergreen perennial treasured for its heart-shaped glossy leaves and delicate bloom

Ground cover

Beesia

Beesia Deltophylla

Deep ShadeUSDA 6–9
Belladonna Delphinium (Delphinium X Bel. 'Bellamosum') — perennial with blue and violet blooms; deadheading spent flowers will promote a potential second bloom

Perennial

Belladonna Delphinium

Delphinium X Bel. 'Bellamosum'

FullUSDA 2–9
Black Negligee Snakeroot (Actaea 'Black Negligee') — Recognized for its striking

Perennial

Black Negligee Snakeroot

Actaea 'Black Negligee'

HalfUSDA 3–9
Black Snakeroot (Actaea Racemosa) — It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8

Perennial

Black Snakeroot

Actaea Racemosa

HalfUSDA 3–8