White Flower Farm
Aconitum carmichaelii 'Arendsii'
Best late-season perennial for gardeners managing deer and rabbit pressure.
Aconitum carmichaelii 'Arendsii', commonly known as Monkshood, offers striking azure-blue flower spikes from September into October, providing late-season color. This perennial thrives in good soil with consistent moisture, preferring partial shade in warmer climates. It reaches a mature height of 2-5 feet and spreads 18-24 inches. Deer and rabbits tend to avoid this plant, making it a good choice for gardens where these animals are a concern. All parts of the plant are poisonous, so caution should be exercised during handling and planting, especially around children and pets.
$17.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
29
/ 2989
#29 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-38%
Below average
Mature Height
25
/ -'
Who it's for
- Landscapers looking to add architectural height to flower beds
- Gardeners seeking vibrant color during the late autumn season
- Homeowners living in areas with high deer and rabbit populations
Who should skip it
- Impatient gardeners wanting immediate, full-scale floral results
- Families with young children or curious pets in the yard
- Gardeners in arid climates or those with poor soil conditions
Performance breakdown
Seasonal Impact
Provides essential, vibrant color when most garden perennials have already faded.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deters deer and rabbits, saving you from constant garden maintenance.
Safety Profile
High toxicity requires careful placement away from curious pets and children.
Growth Versatility
Adapts well to varying light conditions from full sun to shade.
Establishment Ease
Requires consistent moisture and specific soil conditions to truly thrive.
Cut Flower Utility
Sturdy, striking spikes make for a dramatic addition to floral arrangements.
Key Specs
Mature Height
2-5'
Spacing
18-24"
Hardiness Zone
3-6S/8W
Exposure
Sun to Part Shade
Blooms In
Sep-Oct
Ships as
BAREROOT
Features
- Late-season bloomer with azure-blue flowers
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Suitable for cutting gardens
- Tolerates sun to part shade
- Long-lived perennial
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Aconitum 'Arendsii' plants received from White Flower Farm. Reviewers frequently note the robust size and health of the bare roots or potted specimens, leading to reliable establishment in the garden. The primary sentiment revolves around trust in the premium quality justifying the investment. Gardeners appreciate the plant's vigorous growth and dependable late season blue blooms, confirming its reputation as a high performing perennial. This reliability ensures long term satisfaction, making it a worthwhile purchase for discerning gardeners seeking proven results.
Know before you buy
No, all parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested. It is best to plant it in an area where children and pets do not typically play, and always wear gloves when handling the foliage.
While it can tolerate sun, it performs best in partial shade, especially in warmer climates. Too much intense afternoon sun can cause the plant to wilt or scorch.
You should space them 18 to 24 inches apart. This allows for adequate air circulation, which helps keep the plant healthy as it reaches its mature height.
Generally, no. Monkshood is considered deer and rabbit resistant, making it a reliable choice for gardens where these animals are a frequent nuisance.
This plant ships as a bareroot specimen. This means it will arrive without soil around the roots, and it should be planted promptly upon arrival to ensure successful establishment.
Yes, their striking azure-blue spikes make excellent additions to cutting gardens. Just be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling the stems due to the plant's toxicity.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$17