Aconitum (or Aconite) are hardy, upright, free-flowering perennials, often blooming late in the season. The upper sepal of each flower develops into a large, helmet-like structure that somewhat resembles the hood worn by a Medieval monk, hence its common names of monkshood and helmet flower; Aconites are also known as wolf’s bane. Their leathery, dark green leaves are deeply divided into three or five lobes. Aconitum are perfect as cottage garden plants, and are great for planting in front of tall shrubs, or under garden trees. Once planted, you can leave them undisturbed for four or five years!