Monk’s-hood (Aconitum napellus) - Wildlife-Friendly Woodland (Peat-Free, Pesticide-Free Bulbs/Rhizomes)

Monk’s-hood brings a touch of woodland theatre: handsome foliage and elegant “hooded” aconite blooms give height and depth to shady borders and hedgerow edges. In wildlife gardens it’s a modest nectar source for bumblebees (long-tongued visitors handle the hooded flowers well), while its strong verticals partner beautifully with foxglove, ferns and shade grasses.

Planting & care

• Position: Light/part shade; sheltered woodland edge or north/east beds.

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

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

• Aftercare: Keep evenly moist in spring/summer; DO NOT eat any part. Leave stems/seedheads if you like a wilder look; divide only when clumps are congested.

Folklore & heritage:
A plant of legend - aconite appears in old herbals and folklore as a powerful, dangerous plant. Today we grow it for beauty in shade and we treat it with respect.

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, grazing animals, or for use as a cut flower.

• If accidental exposure/ingestion occurs: seek medical advice promptly (111/999 as appropriate) and bring the plant label.

Joel says…
“Used with respect, Monk’s-hood is stunning for shade - those indigo hoods look incredible with ferns and foxgloves. I plant it where it won’t be handled much, and ALWAYS with gloves. As ever, peat-free and ready to thrive.”

Why Wild Your Garden?  Unlike mass-produced plants from commercial growers, our wildflowers 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. 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 us, you’re also supporting independent growers who put nature first.