Digitalis purpurea
common foxglove
Iconic woodlanders, the flowers of this UK native first start opening from the base of the spike in early summer,...
9cm pot
£7.99
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3 × 9cm pots
£18.00
£23.97
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6 × 9cm pots
£32.00
£47.94
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approx 1000 seeds
£1.89
In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
1
Plant description
Iconic woodlanders, the flowers of this UK native first start opening from the base of the spike in early summer, but then carry on, reaching progressively higher over the following weeks. Each thimble-like pink, purple (or occassionally white) bloom has an attractively spotted throat and is a magnet to bees, which crawl right inside getting covered in pollen. If they are settled into a spot they like, they will self-seed freely, producing more plants that will flower in their second year. In a border setting, these plants can be used to add vertical interest, but they also look wonderful in generous swathes at the edges of a woodland.
Eventual height & spread
Flowering period
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Plant features
Position
Light shade
Rate of growth
Average
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness
Fully hardy
How to care for Digitalis purpurea:
Ensure that the soil is kept moist in summer. After the first flowerspikes have finished flowering, cut them back to encourage sideshoots to develop, which can go on to provide a second flush of flower. Then, when the last of these have died off, cut them all down to the ground. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted organic matter around the plant in early spring.
Sowing instructions:
Lightly press the seed onto the surface of a well-watered seed compost in mid to late spring and keep in a cold frame. When large enough to handle, pot on into individual cells and once they have developed a decent basal rosette of foliage they can be hardened off before planting out. They will usually start to flower in their second year.
Please note:
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
Warning
Humans/Pets: TOXIC if eaten
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