Digitalis purpurea Foxy Group
Common purple foxglove, Fairy thimbles
Also known as Digitalis 'Foxy' Hybrids
- Height × spread
- 1m × 0.5m
- Position
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, tolerates light shade
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Flowers
- Spring, Summer
Availability
Generally available in late Spring & Summer
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A compact range that may reach less than a metre in height. The chunky spires carry thimble flowers in a range of shades, the common purple or white, pink and yellow flowered forms. It can be grown from seed and is said to flower in its first year, although it is technically a biennial (flowers every other year). The flowers hang from upright stems. deep thimbles with white and maroon spotted throats.
- Flower colour
- Pink, Purple, White, Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Column
- Height
- 1m
- Spread
- 0.5m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer
- Flowers in
- Spring, Summer
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Wild flower meadow, Prairie garden
- Sun or shade
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Dry and shady soil
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Deer resistant, Rabbit resistant, Bee attraction
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- Yes, plant with caution; Humans: CAUTION toxic if eaten
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Spring, Summer, Autumn · Planting
Cut faded flower stems
Once all the blooms on the stem have opened and faded, cut the entire stem off.
Summer
Summer - early · Outdoors
Feed a general fertiliser
Where plants have moderate needs for nutrients, they can simply be given a general feed, fairly early in the growth season so that the growth has plenty of time to harden off before the cold weather.
Give plants a general boost with the application of a general purpose fertiliser which is spread around the root area of the plant, with amounts as directed on the feed label.
Planting & general
Compost · Planting
Multi-purpose compost
Use a good quality peat-free multi-purpose compost when growing in pots and containers.
Found in
More Digitalis
Digitalis
Foxglove
Digitalis grandiflora 'Carillon'
Large flowered yellow foxglove
Digitalis purpurea 'Dalmatian Purple'
Common purple foxglove, Fairy thimbles
Digitalis purpurea 'Dalmatian White'
Common purple foxglove, Fairy thimbles
Digitalis purpurea 'Pam's Choice'
Common purple foxglove, Fairy thimbles
Digitalis purpurea 'Primrose Carousel'
Common purple foxglove, Fairy thimbles
Digitalis purpurea 'Snow Thimble'
Common purple foxglove, Fairy thimbles
Digitalis 'Apple Blossom'
Foxglove