Digitalis
Foxglove
- Height × spread
- 0.45m – 1.8m × 0.3m – 2m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Generally available in late Spring & Summer
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
Foxgloves are primarily associated with serene spires of purple flowers in woodland settings. These are the native Digitalis purpurea. A large number of hybrid forms have been developed with far showier flowers and in a great range of colours. These include recent hybrids with lush, long-petalled flowers. There are other species, generally with small flowers, such as the small yellow flowers of Digitalis grandiflora, and the curiously aristocratic Digitalis ferruginea with its 1.2 metre spires of small yellow brown flowers. These are lovely plants for woodland settings and wonderful in positions where they are illuminated by spots of light. Some of the long lean-spired forms make interesting colonies especially when grown in the company of small plants.
- Flower colour
- Apricot, Blue, Brown, Cream, Gold, Lilac, Mauve, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, Rose, White, Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Column
- Height
- 0.45m – 1.8m
- Spread
- 0.3m – 2m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Wild flower meadow, Prairie garden, Mediterranean garden, Herb garden, Gravel garden, Exotic garden, Cottage garden, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade, likes light shade
- Soil type
- All types
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil, Well drained soil, Dry and shady soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, some are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Wall cover, Ground cover, Coloured stems, Deer resistant, Rabbit resistant, Bee attraction
- Maintenance
- Some varieties are easycare (low/no maintenance)
- Hazards
- Yes, some poisonous
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 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 purpurea Foxy Group
Common purple foxglove, Fairy thimbles
Digitalis 'Apple Blossom'
Foxglove