Aconitum napellus Album

The Aconitum napellus 'Album' is a beautiful hardy herbaceous perennial that blooms from June to August in long panicles of white helmet-shaped flowers, hence its nickname 'Jupiter's Helmet'. Little known, this 1m (3ft) tall plant produces deciduous, alternate, shiny, finely cut, lobed, dark green leaves, measuring 5 to 10cm (2 to 4in) long. The upright and arching stems bear 40cm (16in) long helmet-shaped flower panicles. Please note that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested (anesthetic) or in contact with the skin, so do not plant it near vegetables or children's play areas, and avoid high-traffic areas. Use gloves when handling and wash your hands afterwards.

The White Aconite grows in deep, moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. It tolerates limestone, but dislikes dry and poor soils. It needs coolness in summer and no stagnant moisture in winter.

The Aconitum napellus 'Album' has a fairly stable upright habit and is perfect against a wall or around a bush. Despite its toxicity, it deserves widespread use, at the back of a flower bed, in the company of tall perennial geraniums, dahlias, or grasses such as miscanthus.