The wolf root, the black potion, the wolfwolf, the skullcap, the blue buttercup, the shoe, the wrestler - all these are the names of aconite. It can be safely called the traditional flower of the Russian garden, because it was decorated with flower beds of estates, and some of its species were cultivated in the 16th century. Years later, the flowers of the original form and bright color were undeservedly forgotten. Now in the gardens aconite (planting and care, photos, varieties later in the article) can be found infrequently. Meanwhile, it is very decorative and unpretentious.
origin of name
The name of the plant comes from the Greek word "rock, cliff" and its derivative - "arrows". It has been known since ancient times. The origin of the poisonous flower is associated with the hero from the myths of Ancient Greece - Heracles. Performing his twelfth feat, he captured and led the three-headed Cerberus from the underground kingdom of the dead. Once on the surface, under the influence of sunlight, the creature began to rage and break out, poisonous saliva flowed from its mouths. Everywhere where it spilled, slender and tall blue flowers grew. A legend far from romance, however, gave rise to a beautiful plant.
Botanical Description
Aconite, planting and outdoor care for which is elementary simple, is common throughout Europe, North America, Asia. It grows in moist places on soils rich in humus, mountain meadows. By taxonomy, plants are close to the genus Zhivostok (Spur). This is a perennial herb, poisonous. The root system in representatives of the genus can be of two types: a conical tuberous swollen root or a twisted rod. The leaves are rounded, of the next arrangement, relatively deeply palmate-divided. Inflorescence is a large brush, flowers of irregular shape (similar to legumes), the fruit is a multi-seeded leaflet. Aconite (planting and care in the open ground hereinafter) was widely used in floriculture, garden forms and varieties were developed.
Aconite poisoning
All parts of the plant contain alkoloids, the most dangerous is aconitine. It is characterized by a very high degree of toxicity, is a neurotoxin. Aconitine has a convulsive and paralytic effect on the body. It is absorbed very quickly by the intestines, penetrates through the mucous membranes and skin. Ultimately causes cardiac arrest and respiratory paralysis. No antidote found at this time.
Garden use
Aconite was a very common garden plant in the Middle Ages. Planting and care in the open ground (photo) for him are extremely simple. However, many will probably have a question about whether to grow such a poisonous plant in their area. Its high decorative properties are not in doubt. Peduncles tall and spectacular with large flowers of a saturated shade. The flowering period is long - from mid-summer to October. It is dangerous if it gets into food. For example, it will be in the same plate with lettuce leaves. There were times when people confused his tuber with celery or horseradish, as it has a characteristic odor. Caution will not be superfluous in the case of growing aconite, however, it is impossible to say unequivocally about its unsuitability in flower beds.
Aconite: outdoor planting and care
Whatever variety or species you choose, keep in mind that aconite is an unpretentious and frost-resistant plant, and therefore winters without shelter. It is not demanding on lighting and will grow equally well both in the sun and in the shade. Only curly species cannot tolerate hot places; partial shade is preferable to them.
Aconite is also not particularly demanding on the soil and will perfectly develop in any cultivated soil. The exception, perhaps, is only sandy and gravel, as well as wetlands and waterlogged places. The plant is resistant to drought, only two species are most sensitive to moisture level - aconite Lamarck and northern aconite. Planting and care (photo plants are in the article) will not take much time. The main stages are timely watering, weeding, loosening and fertilizing. The plant is very responsive to organic and mineral preparations and responds with good growth and lush flowering. The soil around the bush is recommended to mulch peat 2-3 times per season. To extend the flowering period, wilted inflorescences are best cut. Aconite bushes grow rapidly, so once every 4-5 years it is necessary to divide them in order to update.
Propagation of aconite
Two methods of reproduction are possible: vegetative and seed. In the first case, you can get varietal and unusual aconite. Planting and care in the spring are not recommended, it is best to do it in the fall. Seeds are sown in moist soil, and the next year after the snow has melted, seedlings appear. If you do this in the spring, then the seedlings will bloom only after a year. At the same time, seed germination is significantly reduced. You can use the seedling method. Before planting, it is recommended to stratify in two stages: at 20-25 ° C for a month, and then up to 3 months in the cold (2-4 ° C). After this procedure, the shoots are friendly and strong. When the seedlings appear 2-3 true leaves, you need to dive them into separate pots, and in the fall to plant in open ground at a distance of 25-30 cm from each other. Flowering does not occur immediately, but after 2-3 years. Keep in mind that during seed propagation, varietal signs of hybrids are not preserved.
In spring, the plant can be propagated by dividing the rhizome, thereby obtaining already large aconite. Planting and care in the open ground, as well as for an adult specimen. Root-tubular flowers propagate in the fall.
Use in the design of the garden
Aconites are decorative throughout the entire growing season due to beautiful carved leaves, however, bright flowering gives them special charm and charm. The plant looks equally good in group and single plantings, on flowerbeds and mixborders, climbing species are used for vertical gardening. Aconite is not exacting to neighbors. It is best complemented by peonies, rudbeckia, irises, aquilegia, daylilies and astilbe. When arranging a flower garden, you can bet on color contrast and plant species that vary in hue. Aconites of saturated blue color surrounded by white or pink colors look especially beautiful.
If you like unusual and bright, non-standard and rare, then choose aconite. Planting and care in the open ground, photos, reviews - all this information interests gardeners. Note that many reviews are positive. The plant belongs to the category that you can safely forget about after planting by only watering and weeding as necessary. The most important thing is not to forget about the precautions when growing this flower.