Growing Hydrangeas in Pots: Choosing Varieties, Planting and Care
Hydrangeas grow well in pots when the variety, container and compost are chosen with their eventual size and moisture needs in mind. Learn how to plant, water, feed and protect...
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Aconitum napellus
Monk's Hood
Aconitum napellus is an upright, clump-forming perennial to 1.5m tall, with finely divided dark green foliage. In mid to late summer, dense spires of violet-blue, hooded flowers rise above the leaves, bringing bold vertical colour. Generally pest-free and requiring little pruning, it is a long-lived favourite for Irish borders and wildlife plantings.
Plant Details
Flowering Months
Size
- Max Height
- 1.0 m — 1.5 m
- Max Spread
- 0.1 m — 0.5 m
- Growth Habit
- Densely branched plant with compact, leafy, rounded overall shape.
Planting Position
- Sunlight Indicates how much direct sunlight the plant needs each day. Full sun means 6+ hours, part shade is filtered or morning sun, and full shade is little to no direct sun.
- Part Shade
- Aspect Aspect refers to the direction the planting spot faces (north, south, east or west). It affects light levels, warmth and exposure.
- North East West
- Exposure Exposure describes how sheltered or exposed a plant’s position is, particularly to wind and weather.
- Sheltered
- Hardiness Hardiness indicates how well a plant tolerates cold conditions outdoors. Higher ratings generally mean greater frost tolerance.
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(< −20 °C) Extremely hardy
Ideal Soil Conditions
- Soil Type Soil type describes the texture of the soil (clay, sand, loam, chalk). This affects drainage, nutrients and how roots grow.
- Soil Moisture Soil moisture tells you how wet or dry the soil should be for best growth. Match this to your garden conditions for healthier plants.
- Moist but permeable / Poorly-drained / Free draining
- Soil pH Soil pH measures how acidic or alkaline the soil is. It affects nutrient availability and can impact plant growth.
Plant Uses & Merits
- Uses
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- Flower Borders
- Merits
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- Generally pest-free
- No pruning required
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Hydrangea Flower Colour: Soil, pH and Why Flowers Turn Blue or Pink
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How to Prune Hydrangeas: When and How to Prune Each Type
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Learn how to plant hydrangeas successfully, from choosing the right position and preparing the soil to correct planting depth, spacing, watering and early establishment.
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Mophead, lacecap, panicle, smooth, oakleaf and climbing hydrangeas differ in far more than flower shape. This guide compares their growth, flowering habit, preferred position and garden use to help you...
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How to Grow Hydrangeas in Ireland: The Complete Guide
Hydrangeas are well suited to many Irish gardens, provided the type is matched to the position. This guide covers choosing Hydrangeas, light and soil, planting, watering, feeding, pruning, flower colour,...
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How to Grow Climbing Hydrangeas on Walls, Fences and Trees
Climbing hydrangeas are self-clinging, shade-tolerant woody climbers that can cover substantial walls, fences and mature trees, but they establish slowly and need a permanent position. This guide explains siting, support,...
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Best Hydrangeas for Small Gardens
Small gardens can accommodate hydrangeas very well when mature size and habit are considered from the outset. Compare compact mophead, panicle, oakleaf and lacecap choices that give substantial summer interest...
