Foxglove

Digitalis purpurea Giant Spotted Group

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: moist, humus-rich soil
• Rate of growth: average to fast-growing
• Flowering period: June to July
• Hardiness: fully hardy

This handsome variety of foxglove produces stately spires of large pink, tubular flowers with outsized blotches of dark purple in the throats. This showstopping foxglove looks marvellous dotted through the back of a cottage-style scheme or for adding height and drama to a shady border. Flourishing in sun or shade, it makes a great companion for plants with blue flowers. 

All parts of the plant may cause severe discomfort if ingested and contact with the foliage may irritate skin.

• Garden care: Ensure that the soil is kept moist in summer. After flowering, cut back the flowered spikes to encourage more sideshoots. Cut down to the ground after flowering. Apply a generous 5-7 cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted organic matter around the plant in early spring

• These plants are mainly biennial, although if happythey will produce plenty of new sideshoots and self-seed freely