Growing Monkshoods

Discussion in 'Annuals, Biennials, Perennials, Ferns and Bulbs' started by jzwart, Oct 21, 2007.

  1. jzwart

    jzwart Member

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    I have been growing monkshoods on the East End of Long Island (Zone 7a; maritime climate) for the past few years. They grow in an open woodland setting, with filtered sun most of the day; in June-July-August they get about three hours of direct late afternoon sun.

    I've tried A. Alboviolaceaum (killed it); x Cammerum Pink Sensation; many other varieties of x cammerum, none of which I grew successfully; Napellus; and many cultivars of A. Carmichaelli.

    I have had next to no success with the x Cammerums; moderate success with Napellus, and decent success with the Carmichaelli cultivars.

    My question is this: The Cammerums "pouffed out" almost immediately, except for a couple of Pink Sensations, which disappear right after blooming. Ditto the Napellus. For the Cammerums (I have fischeri, Arendsii, and several others) I experience the following:
    -vigorous early spring and summer growth
    -in summer, one or two stalks on each plant wilt, leaves and stems turn vrown and black, and eventually, the stalk pulls out easily from the ground
    -the rest of the plant, with the remaining stalks, make it to bloom time, and this year, they were utterly spectacular.

    Do I need to be concerned about the wilted stalks? Is this verticillium wilt? If so how long will it take to kill the plant?

    I love these plants; they are my favorite garden plant though hard to find in my area. Any help and advice would be appreciated.
     
  2. levilyla

    levilyla Active Member

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    I am in 7a also. The only one I have had any luck with is Arendsii. Even that one I have to spray with a fungicide early on. Aconitums have to have cool nights....They are like Meconopsis, Delphinim, Lupines...etc....they grow better when in cooler areas.
     
  3. jzwart

    jzwart Member

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    Good to know ... I had read that verticillium wilt does not respond to fungicide, but I guess it would certainly not hurt! Is there a specific one you recommend? And do you spray them when you first plant them, or in spring when they first start to grow?
     
  4. levilyla

    levilyla Active Member

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    In the spring...I spray with an insecticide, herbicide and fungicide.(something like Rose Defense). I figure it will take care of what ever is ailing it. It did help this summer because they usually just barely open and have rust on the leaves. I do this several times during the spring and summer.
     
  5. jzwart

    jzwart Member

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    Thanks, Levilyla! I rarely have rust, just that wilting syndrome...I am going to order A. Episcopale (the climbing one) and see how it behaves....
     
  6. levilyla

    levilyla Active Member

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    Never heard of that one....interesting.
     

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