I spotlit this plant at the same time last year so for more pictures you can search in the search bar for that listing.

• late flowering perennial, September to October
• strong sturdy stems
• prefers semi-moist, well-drained loam
• requires a long summer season to reach maturity
• if cold temperatures last too long in spring or frosts are in early September, may not bloom
• tall, 4′ H X 2-3′ wide
• clump forming
• spreads very slowly
• full sun to part shade
• deer resistant

My Fall Monkshood blooms most years in Zone three but if it is a particularly short or cool summer, it may not. This is a wonderful fall plant however, with its rich azure flowers and long flowering time, it is a treasure for late colour. I like it combined with late flowering pink Phlox, Phlox paniculata and Globe Thistle, Echinops. The Outhouse Plant, Rudbeckia lacienata is another which makes a great companion. This Monkshood is a tall plant so needs to be at the back of the border where it can tower over lower blooming perennials. It does not need staking as many tall plants might however. Fall Monkshood also makes a great cut flower.

Monkshood is named such because of its tight dense flowers, the upper sepals of which form the appearance of a hood worn by medieval monks. It is also known as Helmet Flower. This Monkshood is much sturdier than the summer flowering Aconitum. The leaves are leathery and the stems thicker and stronger. The flowers are intricately designed to protect the stigma and stamens. The deep azure/cobalt blue of the flower is intense and vividly veined. All parts of Aconitums are poisonous but his has never stopped me growing them. Animals seem to have an inbred ability to determine danger. I have found the plant to be disease and pest free.