Autumn Monk’s-hood (Aconitum carmichaelii ‘Arendsii’ - Arends’ Aconite) – Wildlife-Friendly, Historic Garden Favourite (Peat-Free, Pesticide-Free Bulbs/Rhizomes)

ACONITUM carmichaelii ‘Arendsii’ brings late-season theatre to woodland and north/east borders. Where summer perennials are fading, its strong, upright stems carry turban-shaped (hooded) flowers that read beautifully against ferns, foxgloves, astrantias and Solomon’s Seals. For wildlife, aconites are a modest nectar source; bumblebees handle the hooded blooms well in sheltered, dappled spots.

This is a non-native historic garden plant (East Asian parentage), chosen here for shade performance and late nectar in people-and-wildlife gardens.

Planting & care

• Position: Light/part shade (tolerates sun if soil stays evenly moist).

• Soil: Moist, humus-rich, well-drained; work in leaf-mould/composted bark.

• Depth/spacing: Plant crowns/bulbs 10-15 cm deep, 30-45 cm apart.

• Support: Usually self-supporting; stake only in windy sites.

• Aftercare: Keep evenly moist in growth; DO NOT eat any part. Leave seedheads for a wilder look; divide only when congested (rarely needed).  ALWAYS USE GLOVES!

SAFETY (read BEFORE buying/planting):

• All parts highly poisonous to humans & animals; do not ingest.

• Wear gloves (and ideally long sleeves) when planting, dividing or cutting back.

• Avoid sap contact with cuts/eyes; wash hands/tools after handling.

• Not for households with curious pets/children; not for cut-flower use.

• If exposure/ingestion occurs: seek medical advice promptly and take the plant label.

Joel says…
“For shade borders that need colour right at the end of the season, Arends’ Monk’s-hood is spot on. Deep blue spires, tough plants, and the bumblebees do use them. Plant deep, mulch with leaf-mould, and handle with gloves. As always, peat-free and ready to thrive.”

Why Wild Your Garden?
Unlike mass-produced plants from commercial growers, our wildflowers and bulbs come from small, peat-free, pesticide-free family nurseries that share our ethos. These growers use no herbicides, ensuring plants are safe for wildlife from the moment they arrive in your garden. Joel has used these trusted growers for 20+ years in his wildlife landscaping projects, so you can be confident they’re tried, tested, and genuinely wildlife-friendly. By buying from Wild Your Garden, you’re also supporting independent growers who put nature first.