This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: moist, fertile
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: August to September
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  The award-winning 'Kelmscott' flowers prolifically throughout late summer to early autumn with tall and handsome spires of lavender blue monkshood blooms. Raised by J. Barker and named after the plant hunter Captain Dugald Carmichael (1772–1827), Kelmscott Manor was the home of craftsman and writer William Morris (1834-1896).
  
  
• Garden care: Prepare an extra deep planting hole at least 45cm (18in) deep, adding well-rotted organic matter to prevent the soil from drying out in summer. Always wear gloves when working with monkshood since all parts of the plant are poisonous and a potential skin irritant. Cut the flowering stem to within 15cm of the ground in the autumn to prevent it self seeding.