Aconitum ‘Spark’s Variety’ (monkshood) £8.99
Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: moist, fertile Rate of Growth: average Flowering period: July to August Hardiness: fully hardy This stately monkshood has erect spikes of hooded, deep violet flowers on slender, branching stems in mid and late summer and deeply divided, dark green leaves. This is one of the tallest and best summer flowering varieties. Although it will take some sun, it is perfect planted in groups at the back of a border in partial shade, and its a fabulous low maintenance alternative to delphiniums. When working with monkshood always wear gloves since all parts of the plant are poisonous and a potential skin irritant. Garden care: Prepare an extra deep planting hole at least 45cm (18in) deep, adding well-rotted organic matter to prevent the soil from drying out in summer. Stake before the flowers appear, and deadhead to the next row of buds to prolong flowering. Always wear gloves when working with monkshood since all parts of the plant are poisonous and a potential skin irritant. Cut the flowering stem to within 15cm of the ground in the autumn to prevent it self seeding.