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Aconitum lycoctonum subsp. vulparia (Wolf's bane)
1 hour care
per year
per year
1.5m
Max height
Max height
1m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Low
Toxicity
Toxicity
Plant details
Botanical name
Aconitum lycoctonum subsp. vulparia
Other names
Wolf's bane, Foxbane, Aconitum altissimum, Aconitum lasianthum, Aconitum orientale misapplied, Aconitum thyraicum, Aconitum tragoctonum, Aconitum vulparia
Genus
Aconitum Aconitum
Species
A. lycoctonum subsp. vulparia - A. lycoctonum subsp. vulparia is an upright, clump-forming, deciduous perennial with rounded, deeply lobed, dark green leaves and panicles of hooded, cream to pale yellow flowers in summer.
Aconitum lycoctonum subsp. vulparia is: Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming, Upright
Toxicity
All parts highly toxic, possibly fatal, if eaten; also harmful via the skin.
Flower
Pale-yellow, Cream in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Dark-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Aphids Aphids
Verticillium wilt Verticillium wilt
General care
Pruning
Cut back faded flowering stems.
Propagation
Divide in autumn. Plants will be slow to re-establish. Sow seed in containers in a cold frame in spring.
Propagation methods
Division, Seed
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Where to grow
Aconitum lycoctonum subsp. vulparia (Wolf's bane) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 1m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Cottage/Informal, Flower Arranging, Waterside, Woodland
Cultivation
Grow in moist, fertile, cool, acid to slightly alkaline soil in partial shade. Tolerates most soils and full sun. Usually benefits from staking.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
Botanical name
Aconitum lycoctonum subsp. vulparia
Other names
Wolf's bane, Foxbane, Aconitum altissimum, Aconitum lasianthum, Aconitum orientale misapplied, Aconitum thyraicum, Aconitum tragoctonum, Aconitum vulparia
Genus
Aconitum Aconitum
Species
A. lycoctonum subsp. vulparia - A. lycoctonum subsp. vulparia is an upright, clump-forming, deciduous perennial with rounded, deeply lobed, dark green leaves and panicles of hooded, cream to pale yellow flowers in summer.
Native to
Garden origin
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming, Upright
Toxicity
All parts highly toxic, possibly fatal, if eaten; also harmful via the skin.
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Colour
Flower
Pale-yellow, Cream in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Dark-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Specific diseases
General care
Pruning
Cut back faded flowering stems.
Propagation
Divide in autumn. Plants will be slow to re-establish. Sow seed in containers in a cold frame in spring.
Propagation methods
Division, Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Aconitum lycoctonum subsp. vulparia (Wolf's bane) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 1m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Cottage/Informal, Flower Arranging, Waterside, Woodland
Cultivation
Grow in moist, fertile, cool, acid to slightly alkaline soil in partial shade. Tolerates most soils and full sun. Usually benefits from staking.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4, Zone 3
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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