I have grown monkshood for years and have a large patch that have migrated under my crepe myrtle. All was well until 2 or 3 years ago, when they started dying, one by one, during June and July, well before their usual bloom time in September here in central Maryland. The foliage slowly dries up from the bottom of the stalk, turning tan and shriveling. Either the whole stalk then falls over or I can just pull it up - it is no longer attached to the roots. Only once did I see tiny white specks on the bottom of a stalk; otherwise I can't find any clues. The problem is spreading in this area. The Lamb's Ear and other plants seem fine. If it were a watering problem, it wouldn't have just started in the last couple of years, and it would affect the whole area. I don't remember the exact type of aconitum but the blooms are solid purple. Help!