Cultivating Achimenes and Aconitum: A Guide to Greenhouse Gems and Garden Perennials

Achimenes: Tropical Elegance for Pots and Baskets

Achimenes are tuberous-rooted greenhouse perennials prized for their abundant, trumpet-shaped flowers and attractive foliage. Their semi-trailing habit makes them perfect for hanging baskets, while staked plants shine in containers.

Growing Requirements

• Temperature: Maintain at least 60°F (16°C) before flowering; cooler temps are tolerated during bloom.
• Starting Tubers: Begin in February at three-week intervals. Plant in sandy compost, water sparingly until shoots reach 2 inches.
• Potting Up: Move to 7–8 inch pots, spacing tubers 2–3 inches apart. For baskets, line with moss and use a mix of fibrous loam, leaf mold, peat, and sharp sand.
• Light & Humidity: Keep near glass but shaded from direct sun; maintain a moist atmosphere.

Care & Propagation

Water freely during growth; apply liquid fertilizer weekly. After flowering, reduce watering and store dormant pots on their sides under staging. Propagate via seeds (70–80°F in March), stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, or tuber scales.

Aconitum (Monkshood): Stately Late-Season Bloomers

Aconitums are hardy herbaceous perennials with hooded flowers in blue, purple, white, or yellow. They prefer deep, rich, cool soil in partial shade. Caution: All parts are highly toxic—plant away from children and pets.

Thick, tuberous roots resent disturbance, so avoid transplanting once established. Divide in early spring or fall if necessary. They excel in woodland gardens and shaded borders, providing vertical interest when many perennials have finished blooming.