Aconitum hemsleyanum 'Red Wine'

Not sure Charles, but this was on my 2012-2013 seedlist request that I just sent in yesterday, so I hope to get seed of it.  The flower color is so striking; I'm remain optimstic it will grow well here in New England.

Saw this growing at a nursery in the autumn,none for sale. It was stunning

It doesn't like slugs but the slugs like it very much! I had it but it never flowered as the gastropods had a gathering there every summer :( Now it is gone....

I cannot germinate this plant.  It's driving me batty.

Gene wrote:

I cannot germinate this plant.  It's driving me batty.

I chose to buy one but in vain as I said :(

Gene wrote:

I cannot germinate this plant.  It's driving me batty.

For once I'm lucky: A batch of seed sowed fall 2011 is germinating nicely! They have stood outside all the time but when I noticed some germination about New Year time I brought the pot inside to a cold room for seedlings (about 5-10C).

Seedlings of Aconitum hemsleyanum 'Red Wine' and the little "nursery".

Congratulations Trond.  In my NARGS Seed Exchange order received last week, I received seed of 'Red Wine', must sow my seed soon and keep my fingers crossed.

Grahame Ware wrote about this plant in the International Rock Gardener  #29 of  May 2012 -
http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2012May241337894269IRG29-May2012.pdf    -  I  had only seen it once or twice in photos in the SRGC Forum -  it is not one I've seen in real life - very good looking plant and some  SRGC Forumists are growing it  well in Scandanavia, so it must be pretty tough.....

Hope you can keep the slugs away this time, Trond...

Seems that I missed that particular IRG, what a good read (and not just because I'm quoted in it ;)).  Interesting account on this Aconitum, I'm already anticipating germination and finding that special niche where it may succeed and endure our sometimes hot and humid summer weather.  And on the theme of red flowers, enjoyed the article on Penstemon newberryi, where both John Weiser and myself are referenced.

Seed exchange seed came from Alaska.  I germinated it once, but seed came from Gardens North and was moist packed.  Lots of warnings about moist storage for Aconitum seed.  Will germinate at 40F and cool growing is suggested.  Had one plant bought from Senica Hill, that died out, but site may have been too dry.  Haven't found any USA nursery selling plants at the present time.  Suggests must be quite difficult, for such a spectacular plant to not be on the market.  I think Jelitto seeds still sells in quantity, if desired.  Grows well somewhere, I guess.
(Possibly Jelitto seeds website is down)

The seedlings are still alive at least! I have to pot them up now and move them to another place. Think I have to grow them in pots till they are more able to withstand the slugs!

Aconitum hemsleyanum 'Red Wine' (and some "weeds").

PS. The colour isn't quite true in the picture. It is greener!

Hoy wrote:

The seedlings are still alive at least! I have to pot them up now and move them to another place. Think I have to grow them in pots till they are more able to withstand the slugs!

Aconitum hemsleyanum 'Red Wine' (and some "weeds").

PS. The colour isn't quite true in the picture. It is greener!

So far so good, Trond - is it often a problem for you to get plants potted on and moved to a new situation after they have been under the lights in the nursery but are still too young ( or the weather too bad) to allow a transfer outside? I'd imagine it is hard to find enough space and "fresh" enough conditions to move them on.

Maggi,
my problems are legion, potting on isn't the worse but following up! I am often away for several days and the plants/seedlings have to look for themselves. Although I have a semi automatic watering system in my greenhose, if badly adjusted, it is often delivering too much or too little water. Slugs and snails take their toll and so does the vine weevil larvae and other pests. Aphids can also damage plants in a few days and some plants are very vulnerable. Bringing plants outside too early can set them back for weeks! It is a wonder I have some left to plant out in the garden when time comes!