*Warning* See endnote.
Plant name: Monkshood
Botanical name: Aconitum ‘Red Wine’
Suggested by: Kristl Walek, Gardens North
Virtues: A twining monkshood in an unusual and stunning color.
Flower: Large wine red flowers.
Foliage: Dark green leaves that glisten.
Habit: Twining, to 5 feet.
Season: Late summer.
Companions: A great adornment for early-blooming shrubs. It supplies interest when they are finished.
What plants do you love? Horticulture wants to know.
“I love Rose Campion. I grew these perennials from seed along the road of my Pocono, PA house and have gotten rave reviews. I am noticing a lot of ‘babies’ that I hope will be ready next Spring.”
— JulFlower
WARNING ABOUT THIS PLANT
According to Herbaceous Perennial Plants, third edition by Allan M. Armitage:
“All aconitums have poisonous roots, leaves and stems and warnings concerning their poisonous properties have been sounded since the late 1500s ... The turnip-shaped tuberous roots, however, are the most toxic and should not be planted near root crops such as potatoes or horseradish in case of accidental harvesting.”
