Monk's Hood Sparke's Variety

Vertical, late summer colour.
Monkshood 'Spark's Variety' is a cross of the purple blue Aconitum henryi and the gorgeous, bicoloured Aconitum cammarum. The result is a tall plant with gorgeous, lots of violet blue blooms on open spikes that last for many weeks.
The open sprays of flowers grow upwards from strong stems that rarely need to be staked.
Each hooded bloom is 2-5cm long. Monkshoods offer late season colour that bridges the summer to autumn gap. The flowers of Monkshood 'Spark's Variety' are actually the sepals, the petals are hidden beneath the 'hood' as nectaries. Monkshood make good, long lasting cut flowers.
The deeply divided leaves are mid to dark green and lush and form neat clumps. The botanical name, Aconitum is from the Greek; akontion for arrow. It was thought to be used to poison arrows in medieval times. In more recent times, the poison was used on harpoons to immobilize whales.
Aconitum are woodland plants and grow well in morning sun to bright light positions. They will tolerate full sun but will need to be kept watered. Ideally plant Monkshood in humus rich, moist, well drained soil. Water to establish and keep moist in active growth.
As parts of the plant are poisonous, you should wear gloves when handling.
Monkshood is also known as Dogbane, or Wolfbane. Monkshood 'Spark's Variety' was first introduced by Maurice Prichard in 1898 and holds the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit.
Our Monkshood 'Spark's Variety' plants have been grown by Dennis Norgate.

Supplied as: Bare rooted