Also known as Monkshood · 104 gardener saves
Aconitum: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Aconitum, the genus most gardeners know as monkshood. We track 5 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 5 most-saved Aconitum varieties
Of 5 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedMonkshood Eleanor
Aconitum cammarum 'Eleanor'
#2 most savedArends' Monkshood
Aconitum carmichaelii 'Arendsii'
#3 most savedClimbing Monkshood
Aconitum albo-violaceum
Carmichael's Monkshood
Aconitum carmichaelii
Monkshood
Aconitum napellus
How to grow Aconitum
What the Aconitum varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 5 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Aconitum year
- StakeApril–June100% of varieties
Stake tall varieties early to prevent flopping in summer
- DivideMarch and September80% of varieties
Divide crowded clumps every 3-5 years in spring or fall
- Spring CleanupFebruary60% of varieties
Cut back old, dead stems to the ground before new growth emerges
- FertilizeMarch40% of varieties
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring
- PlantMarch40% of varieties
Always wear gloves when handling any part of this plant.
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Prune dead stems in late fall
- Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to maintain soil moisture and temperature
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not expose to full, harsh sunlight
- Avoid overly dry or sandy soils ❌
- Don’t expose to full sun in hot climates
What goes wrong with Aconitum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and curled leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap |
| Slugs | Chewed leaf edges, slime trails | Use organic slug bait or handpick at night |
| Root rot | Wilting despite moist soil | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root Rot | Wilting, brown roots | Improve drainage, reduce watering |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply fungicide and increase air circulation |
Making more Aconitum
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring
- Keep soil consistently moist for germination (4-6 weeks)
Division
- Divide clumps in early spring or fall
- Replant divisions immediately
Aconitum questions
How many types of Aconitum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 5 distinct Aconitum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 104 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Aconitum grow in?
Across its varieties, Aconitum covers USDA Zones 4–8. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Aconitum bloom?
Most Aconitum varieties bloom in mid to late summer, late summer, late summer to fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Aconitum should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Aconitum shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Aconitum in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
