Blue Lagoon™ Monkshood

‘Blue Lagoon’ is a compact monkshood with glossy, deeply divided green leaves and short upright stems carrying hooded violet-blue flowers. The cultivar was patented as an interspecific Aconitum hybrid; the patent identifies Robbert Van Blokland as the breeder. ## Landscape use and seasonal interest Its tidy clump and relatively short flowering stems suit the front or middle of a flower border. Flowers open in late summer, with the patent describing a single annual flush that can continue into autumn. The cultivar is deciduous, so it returns from its perennial root system rather than holding foliage through winter. ## Size and siting The RHS describes plants to about 30 cm and lists broad mature height and spread ranges; the patent's one-year-old, potted trial plants measured about 29 cm tall and 20 cm wide. These trial measurements are useful cultivar evidence but are not a mature landscape guarantee. Grow in full sun or partial shade. The patent states hardiness to at least USDA Zone 4. ## Soil and safety Provide moist but well-drained soil. Monkshood is poisonous if eaten, and the RHS advises gloves and protective equipment when handling it. Keep it away from children and pets and wash hands after garden work. Sources: [RHS cultivar profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/281479/aconitum-blue-lagoon/details) and [U.S. plant patent record](https://www.hort.net/pedia/patent/application/20080184442/). ## Maintenance The RHS says no routine pruning is required beyond cutting back dead stems. Use gloves for handling, and let the foliage die back naturally before clearing it.