Monk's hood 'Spark's Variety' Aconitum 'Spark's Variety'
ABOUT
'Spark's Variety' is an upright herbaceous perennial to 1.5m in height, with deeply divided, glossy dark green leaves and branching spikes of hooded, deep violet-blue flowers
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Monkshood, Wolfsbane, Queen of Poisons, Blue Rocket, Aconite
Common names
Aconitum 'Spark's Variety'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.30-0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental appeal: Aconitum 'Spark's Variety', commonly known as Monkshood, showcases vibrant deep purple-blue flowers that add a touch of drama and visual interest to gardens.
- Attracts pollinators: The blooms attract bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity and aiding in the pollination of nearby plants.
- Seasonal interest: Monkshood has a late flowering season, typically blooming from summer to early fall, providing color when many other plants have finished flowering.
- Vertical accent: Its tall, erect stature can reach up to 2 meters, which is excellent for adding a vertical element to planting designs and garden borders.
- Shade tolerance: This plant can thrive in partial shade, making it a versatile choice for gardeners with shaded areas.
- Cold hardy: Being cold resistant, Monkshood is well-suited for cooler climates and can survive in low temperatures, making it ideal for northern gardens.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering and making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Deer and rabbit resistance: The plant is unappealing to deer and rabbits, which helps to prevent damage and maintain the beauty of a garden.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Aconite, including 'Spark's Variety', has been used historically in arrow poisons, particularly in Asia, for both hunting and warfare, due to its potent toxic compounds.
- Due to its striking appearance, aconite plants may also be used in photography and botanical illustration as subjects for artists and photographers.
- In some traditional ceremonies and festivals, aconite flowers might be worn or displayed symbolically, but this should be handled with care due to toxicity.
- The plant can sometimes be used in witchcraft and for making various "magical" potions, often within fictional or symbolic contexts.
- Because of its historical association with mythology and symbolism, aconite has been mentioned in literature and poems to evoke certain imagery or metaphors, particularly those related to its dangerous nature.
- Aconite has been used as a dye plant for fabrics, although this is not very common due to the risk of poisoning.
- In the past, small amounts of aconite may have been used in pest control, particularly in rodent poisons, because of its toxic properties.
- The plant's image has been incorporated in decorative arts, such as on ceramics, jewelry, and clothing designs, inspired by its distinctive flowers.
- Gardeners might sometimes use aconite as companion plants to discourage certain herbivores, such as deer or rabbits, from their gardens due to its toxicity.
- Aconite 'Spark's Variety' might be used in the practice of feng shui, due to its strong presence, though one would need to be cautious handling it.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiMonkshood is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityMonkshood is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Caution and Wariness: Monkshood, or Aconitum 'Spark's Variety', has a reputation for being poisonous. Therefore, it often symbolizes the need for caution and wariness in potentially dangerous situations.
- Protection: Some cultures believe that Monkshood has the ability to ward off evil spirits and protect against harm. Consequently, it is associated with protection.
- Deceit and Mistrust: Due to its toxic nature, Monkshood sometimes represents deceit or hidden dangers, alluding to things that might seem harmless but are actually treacherous.
- Chivalry and Knightly Virtue: In the language of flowers, Monkshood has also been a symbol for chivalry and the virtues of a knight, perhaps because of its helmet-shaped flowers resembling the attire of knights.
WaterThe Monkshood should be watered deeply to ensure that the soil becomes moist but not waterlogged, typically once a week depending on weather conditions. During hot or dry periods, the watering frequency should increase to prevent the soil from drying out completely. It is important to apply water directly to the soil rather than overhead to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease. As a general rule for established plants, aim for about one inch of water per week, whether from rainfall or irrigation. Adjust the amount of water during the growing season as necessary to accommodate changes in weather, always checking the soil moisture before watering again.
LightMonkshood thrives in partial shade, especially during the hottest part of the day. An ideal spot would be one that gets morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day. Avoid placing it in full, intense sun which can stress the plant and burn the leaves.
TemperatureMonkshood prefers temperate climates and does well in temperatures ranging from 50°F to 65°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 5°F and maximum temperatures up to about 75°F. The ideal temperature range for this plant is within the cooler end of the spectrum, as it generally does not tolerate extreme heat.
PruningMonkshood benefits from pruning to remove spent flower stalks and to maintain a neat appearance. Pruning should be done after flowering, usually in late summer or fall. Deadheading, or the removal of old flowers, encourages a second bloom in some varieties. Always wear gloves when handling Monkshood, as all parts of the plant are highly toxic.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMonkshood 'Spark's Variety' thrives in fertile, well-draining soil that is consistently moist. A mix of loam, organic matter like compost or leaf mold, and a small amount of sand for drainage is ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.1 to 7.5.
RepottingMonkshood 'Spark's Variety' generally does not require frequent repotting. These perennials can be repotted or divided every 2-4 years to manage their size and rejuvenate the soil, especially when they become overcrowded.
Humidity & MistingMonkshood 'Spark's Variety' prefers moderate humidity levels but is fairly adaptable and can tolerate the humidity levels typically found in temperate regions without special accommodations.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Monkshood 'Spark's Variety' near bright windows, away from direct sun.
Outdoor
Plant Monkshood 'Spark's Variety' in part shade and rich soil.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleAconitum 'Spark's Variety', also known as Monkshood 'Spark's Variety', begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in cool, moist soil in the spring. The seedling emerges and develops into a vegetative plant with distinctive deeply dissected, dark green leaves. During late spring to early summer, it enters its flowering stage, producing tall spikes of hooded, violet-blue flowers that are attractive to pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into follicles containing seeds by late summer or early autumn. The plant is a herbaceous perennial, so above-ground growth dies back to the ground with the onset of winter, while the root system remains dormant under the soil. In the following spring, the plant regenerates from the rootstock, completing its cycle and beginning anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
Propogation: Aconitum 'Spark's Variety', also known as Monkshood, is commonly propagated by division. The best time to propagate this plant is in the early spring as the soil begins to warm. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant, making sure to lift the entire root system. Gently separate the roots into smaller sections, each with their own shoots and root systems. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were growing before and water them well. This method allows for the rapid increase in the number of plants and maintains the characteristics of the variety. Care should be taken while handling Monkshood, as all parts of the plant are highly toxic.
