Aconitum carmichaelii 'Arendsii'

Aconitum carmichaelii is native to central China and is sometimes called autumn-flowering monkshood because of its late summer to early fall bloom.

It offers flowers that are deep purple inside and paler blue outside. The upper sepal of each flower develops into a large, helmet-like structure that somewhat resembles the hood worn by medieval monks, hence the common names of monkshood and helmet flower. Leathery, dark green leaves are deeply divided into 3-5 lobes.

Best grown in moist, organically rich, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Soils must not be allowed to dry out, but need sufficient drainage to prevent wet conditions from developing. All parts of the plant (especially the roots and seeds) are poisonous.