Digitalis purpurea
common foxglove
Iconic woodlanders, the flowers of this UK native first start opening from the base of the spike in early summer,...
6 × 9cm pots
£34.99
£5.83 each
In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
9cm pot
£8.99
In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
3 × 9cm pots
£19.99
£6.66 each
In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
approx 1000 seeds
£2.49
In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
1
Delivery options
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, Digitalis purpurea can be used to add vertical interest, but they also look wonderful in generous swathes at the edges of a woodland.
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, Digitalis purpurea 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:
Plant into a lightly shaded, well-prepared border or woodland margin with plenty of organic matter (well-rotted compost).
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.
These plants are mainly biennial, although they will often self-seed freely.
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.
These plants are mainly biennial, although they will often self-seed freely.
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.
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
GOES WELL WITH
How to make a new lawn
There’s nothing like a lawn to bring the various elements of a garden together as it’s easy on the eye and helps highlight other more ornamental features. Best of all, it adds much needed space to the garden and provides evergreen continuity too. But a la
Read full articleHow to use those dreamy flower spires
There's one garden essential that brings a planting scheme to life and it's upright flower spikes that soar heavenwards. They add drama and perspective to all your other planting and, as they open from the bottom upwards, each spire offers a glorious co
Read full article