Aconitum carmichaelii 'Barker's Variety'

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Key characteristics

Family: Ranunculaceae
Height: 3-4 feet tall
Width: 1.5-2 feet wide
Flower color: Deep violet-blue, helmet-shaped blooms
Foliage color: Glossy deep green leaves
Bloom time: Late summer to early fall
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; cut back after flowering and wear gloves when handling (toxic)
Growing zone: USDA Zones 3-8
Wildlife: Attracts bees and butterflies; deer-resistant

Perennials

Aconitum carmichaelii 'Barker's Variety'

Barker's Variety Monkshood

Aconitum carmichaelii 'Barker's Variety' is a late-blooming perennial that produces dense spikes of deep violet-blue, hooded flowers. These unique, helmet-shaped blooms appear from late summer to early autumn, adding rich color and vertical interest to the garden when many other plants are beginning to fade. The deeply lobed, glossy green foliage creates a lush, textured backdrop that enhances the beauty of the flowers.

'Barker's Variety' is particularly valued for its robust blooms and ability to thrive in partially shaded areas, making it an excellent choice for borders or woodland gardens.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Late summer to early fall

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Cottage Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Cut Flower Gardens

Companion plants

Hardy geraniums · Hostas · Ferns · Astilbes · Foxgloves · Bergenias

Design tip

Fall bloom is its strength, and it earns a place near a path or seating area used late in the year. Because it is easy about light, use it to carry a planting from a sunny end of the bed into the shadier side.