Aconitum 'Album'

Aconitum 'Album': Pure Elegance in Spire Form

Aconitum 'Album' is a graceful and statuesque perennial that adds a luminous presence to the late summer garden. With its upright spires of pure white, helmet-shaped flowers and rich, deeply divided foliage, this white-flowering monkshood brings cool elegance and architectural beauty to borders and cottage-style plantings. Blooming from late summer into early fall, 'Album' thrives in full sun to partial shade and offers reliable colour and form just when other perennials begin to wane. Its deer resistance and upright habit make it a dependable performer in mixed perennial plantings.

Product Characteristics:

• Height: Grows to a height of 90–120 cm, making it a striking vertical accent in mid to back borders.
• Spread: Spreads approximately 45–60 cm, forming a well-defined, upright clump with minimal flopping.
• Flower Colour: Clean, pure white blooms with the distinctive hooded form that defines monkshood.
• Flowering Period: Blooms from late summer into early fall, offering valuable late-season interest.
• Foliage: Glossy, deeply lobed dark green foliage remains attractive all season and provides a rich backdrop to the flowers.
• Sunlight Requirements: Thrives in full sun to partial shade; prefers full sun in cooler climates and part shade where summers are hot.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers moist, well-drained, organically rich soil; avoid hot, dry sites. Consistent moisture is key.

Uses and Benefits: Aconitum 'Album' is ideal for adding late-season height and contrast to perennial borders, cottage gardens, and naturalistic plantings. Its clear white flowers brighten the garden under soft autumn light, pairing beautifully with deeper hues. Naturally resistant to deer and rabbits due to its toxicity, it is well-suited for wildlife-prone gardens. It also provides nectar to late-flying pollinators.

⚠ Poisonous: All parts of Aconitum are highly toxic if ingested and may cause skin irritation. Always wear gloves when handling and avoid planting near areas frequented by children or pets.

Companion Plants: Pair Aconitum 'Album' with Echinacea 'PowWow White' to echo the clean, bright palette and support pollinators throughout summer and early fall. Add Achillea millefolium 'Moonshine' for a contrasting splash of lemon-yellow and finely textured foliage that thrives in similar sun and soil conditions. Complete the trio with Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'—its soft, arching plumes and grassy form provide movement and a gentle texture to balance the upright spires of Aconitum. Together, these companions form a graceful and dynamic late-summer display.

Care Instructions: Water regularly to maintain even soil moisture, especially in dry conditions. Mulch to retain moisture and protect roots. Staking may be needed in exposed areas. Cut back stems after flowering. Always wear gloves when handling due to the plant’s toxicity.

History: Aconitum 'Album' is a white-flowering form of Aconitum napellus, a species native to mountainous regions of Europe. Historically associated with folklore and medicinal use—most notably as a poison—it is now prized for its ornamental qualities. The genus name Aconitum references the ancient Greek use of the plant, while the species epithet napellus refers to the root’s turnip-like shape. ‘Album’ stands out for its clean white blooms and refined garden presence, offering an elegant twist on a classic perennial.

Final Thoughts: Aconitum 'Album' is a cool, commanding presence in the late-season garden. With its crisp white flowers, upright habit, and deer resistance, it’s a perennial that combines timeless elegance with strong performance. Whether used as a vertical anchor in a border or a late-season highlight in a mixed planting, ‘Album’ brings structure, brightness, and refined drama to sun and part-shade gardens alike.