Perennials
Aconitum hemsleyanum
Climbing Monkshood
RanunculaceaeCentral China
At a Glance
TypeVine
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height6–10 feet (1.8–3 m)
Width18–36 inches (45–90 cm)
Maturity2 years
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
5 - 8Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy
Key Features
Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Maintenancemoderate
Overview
Aconitum hemsleyanum is an herbaceous perennial vine reaching 6–10 feet (1.8–3 m) in length, twining and scrambling through supporting shrubs, perennials, or structures. It is the only commonly cultivated climbing species of Aconitum, distinguished from all other garden monkshoods by its scrambling rather than self-supporting habit. Leaves are palmately divided, 3–5 inches (7.5–13 cm) wide, with five deeply lobed and sharply serrated segments, medium to dark green. Flowers are deep blue-violet to indigo with the characteristic arched hood (galea) of the genus Aconitum, produced in open branched racemes at stem tips and leaf axils from August through September. The twining stems require support — other robust shrubs, perennial clumps, or a trellis. Without support, stems sprawl and trail at ground level. Native to central China. All parts contain aconitine alkaloids and are highly toxic to humans, pets, and livestock.
Native Range
Aconitum hemsleyanum is native to central China, occurring in moist mountain forests and forest margins at elevations of 5,000–10,000 feet (1,500–3,000 m), where it climbs through surrounding vegetation in cool, humid conditions. Named for William Botting Hemsley, the British botanist who documented many Chinese plant species in the late nineteenth century.Suggested Uses
Planted at the base of robust shrubs, large perennial clumps, or trellises at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing, where the scrambling stems can be supported. The deep blue-violet August–September flowers extend the shade border into late summer and are produced at eye level when climbing through 4–6 foot (1.2–1.8 m) shrubs. Suited to woodland gardens and shaded mixed borders in zones 5–8. Not suited to open, unsupported positions; dry soils; or gardens accessible to unsupervised children or grazing animals.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 10'
Width/Spread1'6" - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Colors
Flower Colors
blue
violet
Foliage Colors
dark green
green
Fall Foliage Colors
no change
Bloom Information
Bloom Period
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Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
deep blue-violet to indigoFoliage Description
medium to dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Partial Shade
Full Shade
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Soil Requirements
pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclay
Drainage
moist
Water & Climate
Water Needs
High
Frost Tolerance
hardy
Time to Maturity
2–3 years
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil with a pH of 5.5–7.0 in partial shade. Provide a support structure — robust shrubs, a trellis, or a perennial clump — as stems cannot self-support. Water consistently, weekly during dry periods; does not tolerate drying out. Afternoon shade is beneficial where summer temperatures exceed 75°F (24°C). Performs in zones 5–8. Stems die back to the crown each winter; the climbing stems regrow from the base each spring. All parts are highly toxic — wear gloves when handling.Pruning
Cut stems to the ground in late fall after frost. Remove dead stems and disentangle from support plants in early spring before new growth emerges. No division is required for many years on established plants. Wear gloves — all parts contain aconitine alkaloids.Pruning Schedule
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