PLANT OF THE WEEK

ACONITUM ‘BRESSINGHAM SPIRE’

The common name for this plant is monkshood, which is a pretty good description of the hooded violet flowers. It’s a stalwart of the late-flowering herbaceous border, tall and elegant.

But it does come with a health warning as all parts of the plants are very toxic if ingested and you should wear gloves if touching it.

Grow in moisture-retentive, fertile soil, ideally in partial shade but it will do fine in the sun so long as the soil doesn’t dry out.

‘Bressingham Spire’ is a good compact variety growing to 3ft. Taller varieties may need staking.