Photo of Aconitum japonicum flower by Far Reaches Farm

Photo by Far Reaches Farm

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Aconitum japonicum

Also Known As

  • Monkshood

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 2'-3'
  • W: 1'-2'

planting zones

  • 4a-9b

More Options

Aconitum japonicum plant details

Aconitum japonicum is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In spring and summer blue, lavender and purple flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, gritty, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Aconitum japonicum

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: ranunculaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 1 FT - 2 FT - wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: blue, lavender and purple blooms in spring and summer
Uses: clumping, easy-to-grow, ornamental, toxic, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Aconitum japonicum

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, humidity
Soil needs: average, clay, gritty, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Aconitum japonicum is a rare Japanese monkshood with strong arching stems. The blue to purple-blue hooded flowers are classic monkshood and offer a great display for the summer garden.
Blooms: summer-fall, blue, early emerging, glossy foliage Zone 4-9. 3', Japan, part shade-shade, moist, well drained
This is a fine wildflower from Japan making attractive clumps with cowled dusky lavender flowers. This has been an easy doer increasing easily and the clumps are a snap to divide if you want more. And we always do.

Gardening facts about Aconitum japonicum plant

How to Grow Aconitum japonicum

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • humidity tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • blue
    • lavender
    • purple
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • glossy

See other plant types of Aconitum for your garden

aka Friar's Cap, Helmet Flower, Monkshood, Wolf's Bane

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3a-9b

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 1'-2'

  • sun - dappled shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Aconitum napellus flower by Rüdiger Kratz
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aka Aconitum incisofidum, Aconitum wilsonii, Monkshood

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3b-9b

Size

Height: 2'-6'

Width: 1'-3'

  • sun - dappled shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Aconitum carmichaelii flower by Magnus Manske
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More Options

aka Aconitum lycoctonum subsp. neapolitanum, Aconitum vulparia, Monk's Hood, Monkshood, Wolf's Bane

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

5a-9b

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 1'-2'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Aconitum lycoctonum ssp. neapolitanum flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
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aka Ivorine Monkshood

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

2a-9b

Size

Height: 24"-36"

Width: 12"-15"

  • sun - dappled shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Aconitum septentrionale 'Ivorine' flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
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More Options

aka Climbing Monkshood

Plant Type

Perennial, Vine

Zones

7a-9b

Size

Height: 8'-12'

Width: 1'-6'

  • mostly sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Aconitum species [climbing] flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
View Plant
+26 more Aconitum
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