Aconitum 'Henry Spark'

Aconitum 'Henry Spark': Late-Season Colour with Regal Charm

Aconitum 'Henry Spark' lights up the late-season garden with tall spires of intense violet-blue, hooded blooms that bring a touch of drama and grace to borders and cottage-style plantings. Blooming in late summer into early fall, this monkshood variety offers a refined vertical presence and rich colour when most other perennials are beginning to fade. Its deeply divided, glossy green foliage adds texture throughout the growing season, while its upright growth habit makes it an ideal candidate for mixed borders. Naturally deer resistant and well-suited to full sun or partial shade, ‘Henry Spark’ is a bold performer for cool-season elegance.

Product Characteristics:

• Height: Reaches 90–120 cm in height, offering strong vertical form for mid to back-of-border plantings.
• Spread: Spreads approximately 45–60 cm, forming a well-contained, upright clump.
• Flower Colour: Vivid violet-blue, hooded blooms arranged along tall, unbranching spikes for dramatic effect.
• Flowering Period: Blooms from late summer into early fall, offering valuable colour in the shoulder season.
• Foliage: Deeply cut, dark green foliage remains attractive all season and provides rich texture in the garden.
• Sunlight Requirements: Grows best in full sun to part shade; prefers full sun in cooler climates and part shade in hot summer regions.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers moist, well-drained, fertile soil; mulch to retain moisture and protect roots during summer heat.

Uses and Benefits: Aconitum 'Henry Spark' is ideal for bringing strong vertical lines and jewel-toned colour to mixed borders and late-season plantings. Its striking blooms attract attention while its tidy habit makes it easy to integrate into layered designs. Naturally unpalatable to deer and rabbits due to its toxicity, it’s a reliable perennial in wildlife-prone gardens. It also supports late-season pollinators, making it both beautiful and ecologically valuable.

⚠ Poisonous: All parts of Aconitum are highly toxic if ingested and can cause skin irritation. Always wear gloves when handling and plant away from areas accessed by pets or children.

Companion Plants: Pair 'Henry Spark' with Calamintha nepeta —its cloud-like white blooms create a soft contrast to the bold blue spires and attract pollinators well into fall. Add Achillea 'Terracotta' for a warm, earthy colour contrast and similar drought tolerance once established. Finish the combination with Echinacea 'PowWow White' to tie the palette together with a crisp, clean bloom that mirrors Henry Spark’s refined stature while extending interest through summer and into autumn. This trio blends height, texture, and late-season appeal with excellent durability and pollinator support.

Care Instructions: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy, especially during dry spells. Apply mulch to conserve moisture and protect roots. May require staking in exposed locations. Cut back stems after flowering or in late fall. Handle with care—wear gloves and avoid contact with skin or eyes.

History: Aconitum 'Henry Spark' is a garden selection of Aconitum napellus, a species native to mountainous areas of Europe. The genus has a long history steeped in mythology and medicinal folklore—used historically in potions and poisons alike. Today, Aconitum is valued for its ornamental presence in the garden, particularly for its late-season bloom and deer resistance. ‘Henry Spark’ distinguishes itself with its vivid blue colouring and reliable garden habit, making it a favourite for late-summer impact.

Final Thoughts: Aconitum 'Henry Spark' is a striking and dependable perennial that brings height, texture, and regal colour to the sun or part-shade garden. With its late bloom time, wildlife resistance, and effortless elegance, it’s an excellent choice for gardeners looking to extend seasonal colour and add vertical interest without sacrificing ease of care. For a cool, refined finish to the growing season, ‘Henry Spark’ delivers.