Id-Code: AA 074
Family: Ranunculaceae
Origin: First hybridized by Georg Arends of Ronsdorf, Germany in 1945
Special Features: Considered one of the best late flowering perennials
Distinction: Award of Garden Merit (A.G.M.) from The Royal Horticultural Society
Colour: Stately, tall, branched inflorescences with hooded blue blossoms
Natural Flowering Period: September - October
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z3-9
Growth Habit: Sturdier habit than many aconitums
Foliage: Leathery, palmate and cut-leaf
Height with Flower: 150 cm (60'')
Spacing between Plants: 60 cm (24'')
Soil Requirement: Rich and nutrious soils, pH 5.8 - 6.8
Location: Full sun or partial shade
Use: Beautiful for fall effect. Plant together with Aster laevis, Amsonia hubrichtii and Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida
Specialities: Good candidate for cut flowers

Cultural Tips:
Grams per 1000 seeds: 2,857
Seeds per Gram: 350
Seeding Recommendation: 10 g / 1000 plants
Sowing Rate: 2 seeds per cell
Plug tray recommended size(s): 128, 288
Germination: The sowing must be kept warm (about +18 to 22°C) [about 64 to 72°F] and moist for the first 2-4 weeks. After this period the sowing must be kept at a cold temperature (between -4 and +4°C) [between 25 and 39°F] for another 4-6 weeks. Colder temperatures of -5°C [23°F] are only advantageous for most species of the Ranunculus family. It is not so important if the temperature is higher or lower during the cooling period, but the cooling period has to be prolonged because the synthesis of the germination inducer, hormonlike acid, slows down or comes to a standstill. It is beneficial to cover the sowing with snow during the cooling-period. The temperature below it usually keeps in the optimum range of -4 to 0°C [25 to 32°F]. The sowing is kept moist, and the melting snow helps to destroy the shell, which is advantageous for the germinating seedling. After this cooling-period the sowing may not be immediately exposed to high temperatures. The most effective temperatures are between +5 to 12°C [41 to 54°F], even if germination has started. The best location for this sowing, even in March, April and May, is the open field, the cold frame or a cold greenhouse.

Most species of the Ranunculus-family need lower temperatures during the cooling-period - about -5°C [23°F]. The reason is probably the freezing point of these seeds, which is at -7°C [19°F], while most other seeds freeze at -5 °C [23°F].