Monkshood Aconitum × cammarum 'Pink Sensation' (PBR)
ABOUT
The 'Pink Sensation' monkshood is a captivating variety known for its striking flowers. The blooms are a delightful shade of pink, offering a soft and inviting color to the garden palette. Each flower is shaped like a traditional monkshood, resembling a helmet or hood, which gives the plant its common name. These blooms cluster neatly along tall stalks, which rise above the green foliage. The leaves of this plant are deeply divided, with a lush green color and a glossy texture, creating a lovely contrast against the pastel pink flowers. As the plant matures, these flowers form an impressive display that is both elegant and eye-catching, providing visual interest without overwhelming the space with excessive growth. The 'Pink Sensation' monkshood typically blooms from early to mid-summer, adding a fresh pop of color during this season. This plant is perfect for adding a touch of charm to garden borders, flower beds, and can even serve as a statement piece due to its unique floral coloration.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Monkshood, Wolfsbane, Queen of Poisons, Blue Rocket, Aconite.
Common names
Aconitum × cammarum 'Pink Sensation' (PBR).
ToxicityTo humans
Monkshood, including the 'Pink Sensation' cultivar, contains potent toxins that can be highly dangerous to humans. All parts of the plant, especially the roots and seeds, contain alkaloids such as aconitine, which is one of the most dangerous. If ingested, it can lead to severe gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Additionally, it can cause a burning sensation in the mouth, heart palpitations, muscle weakness, and may lead to paralysis of the heart and respiratory system, which can be fatal. Even handling the plant without protective gloves can cause mild symptoms of toxicity.
To pets
Monkshood, specifically 'Pink Sensation', is also toxic to pets. This plant contains powerful neurotoxins that can affect the nervous system of animals if ingested. Symptoms of monkshood poisoning in pets can include salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, heart arrhythmia, and potentially fatal paralysis. Immediate veterinary attention is necessary if a pet consumes any part of the monkshood plant, as the outcome can be severe and can result in death due to respiratory or heart failure.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
5 feet [1.5 meters]
Spread
2 feet [0.6 meters]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Features elegant, pink, hood-shaped flowers which add a unique charm to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Wildlife: Beneficial for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing the garden ecosystem.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers a striking bloom in late summer, providing color during a time when many other plants are past their peak.
- Versatility: Suitable for borders, cottage gardens, and wildflower gardens, fitting into a variety of garden styles.
- Hardiness: Exhibits a good level of resistance to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, requires minimal care, making it a convenient choice for gardeners of all levels.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial plant, it returns year after year, providing long-term value and reducing the need for annual replanting.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography and art – 'Pink Sensation' Monkshood's vibrant pink flowers make it a captivating subject for botanical photographers and artists.
- Garden design – With its unique pink flowers, the plant is used to create color contrast and visual interest in garden borders and flower beds.
- Bee and butterfly attraction – 'Pink Sensation' Monkshood can be included in gardens to attract pollinators, contributing to the health of the local ecosystem.
- Educational use – This variety of Monkshood can be used in educational settings, like schools or botanical gardens, to teach about plant hybridization and genetics.
- Theme gardens – As part of thematic gardening, like 'pink' themed areas, this plant adds a splash of required color.
- Wedding decor – Its striking flowers can be used in wedding arrangements and venue decorations, although with great care due to its toxicity.
- Cottage gardens – 'Pink Sensation' Monkshood fits the quintessential cottage garden aesthetic, providing a traditional look with a twist due to its unique coloring.
- Folklore and cultural studies – The plant can be discussed in the context of its place in folklore and myths, providing cultural insights.
- Seasonal interest – This Monkshood's late summer to fall blooming period can be used to maintain visual interest in gardens during these seasons.
- Horticultural therapy – Despite its toxicity, under supervision, it can be used to connect people with nature in therapeutic settings.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Monkshood is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Monkshood is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Caution and Warning: The Monkshood, also known as Aconitum, is highly toxic and hence, symbolizes caution and warning. It reminds people to be aware of their surroundings and to approach situations with care.
- Misfortune: Due to its poisonous nature, Monkshood is sometimes associated with bad luck and misfortune. It is thought that having the plant around may bring negative energies.
- Power: In some traditions, Monkshood represents power, particularly the power to harm or protect. Its potent poison made it a symbol of strength and control.
- Chivalry: In the language of flowers, Monkshood can symbolize chivalry. This relates to its historical use, where it might have been worn by knights during the medieval period.
- Protection: Due to its toxic properties, Monkshood was believed to protect against evil spirits and forces. It was often used in ancient times for magical protection.
WaterMonkshood 'Pink Sensation' should be watered regularly to maintain consistently moist soil, particularly during its growing season in spring and summer. It's important not to overwater, as this can promote root rot. Depending on the climate and weather conditions, watering once or twice a week with about 1 inch of water might suffice. It's best to check the soil - if the top inch is dry, it's time to water again. During the winter months, reduce the frequency as the plant's water requirements decrease.
LightMonkshood 'Pink Sensation' thrives best in partial shade where it can receive filtered sunlight. The ideal spot would protect the plant from the intense heat of the afternoon sun. Morning sunlight and dappled shade for the rest of the day is optimal to encourage healthy growth without causing stress to the plant.
TemperatureMonkshood 'Pink Sensation' prefers cooler temperatures, generally thriving in a range between 50°F and 65°F. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 40°F and as high as 75°F. However, it will not do well in environments that consistently exceed these temperature ranges, potentially causing heat stress or frost damage outside of these limits.
PruningPrune Monkshood 'Pink Sensation' to remove spent flowers and encourage a second flush of blooms. Pruning also helps to maintain its shape and removes any damaged or diseased foliage. The best time to prune is immediately after the first flowering period ends, typically in mid to late summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMonkshood 'Pink Sensation' requires well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. A mixture of garden soil, compost, and a bit of sand or perlite to improve drainage makes an ideal soil mix for this plant.
RepottingMonkshood 'Pink Sensation' typically does not need frequent repotting and can often remain in the same pot for several years, only requiring repotting if it becomes root-bound or the soil is exhausted.
Humidity & MistingMonkshood 'Pink Sensation' prefers moderate to high humidity levels but is quite tolerant of typical outdoor humidity fluctuations as long as it is not in an excessively dry climate.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Monkshood 'Pink Sensation' in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Ensure partial shade and shelter for Monkshood 'Pink Sensation' outside.
Hardiness zone
Monkshood 'Pink Sensation' is suitable for USDA zones 3-7.
Life cycleAconitum × cammarum 'Pink Sensation', commonly known as Monkshood, begins its life cycle as seeds that require stratification to germinate effectively. After stratification, in spring, the seeds germinate and develop into seedlings with characteristic foliage. The plant forms a clump of deeply divided, dark green leaves, and by mid to late summer, it grows tall flowering stems bearing hooded, pink flowers that are attractive to pollinators. Post flowering, in late summer to autumn, the plant sets seed that can be collected for propagation or left to self-sow. Monkshood then enters a period of dormancy during winter, with the above-ground portions dying back, while the root system remains alive underground. With the return of warmer temperatures in the subsequent spring, the plant emerges from dormancy, and the cycle repeats with new vegetative growth, followed by the flowering phase.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Aconitum × cammarum 'Pink Sensation', commonly known as Monkshood, can be propagated through division, which is its most popular method. The best time to divide Monkshood is in the early spring or after the blooming period in the fall. To divide the plant, carefully dig around and under the plant to lift the root clump from the ground. Then, with either your hands or a sharp knife, split the clump into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has at least one shoot and a portion of the root system. Replant these divisions at the same depth they were growing originally, spacing them about 12 to 24 inches apart (30 to 60 centimeters), and water thoroughly. This method allows gardeners to produce new, healthy plants that will grow to be replicas of the parent plant.
