About
Digitalis, the foxgloves, are biennials or usually short-lived perennials forming a rosette of simple leaves and producing tall, stately, one-sided spikes of tubular, bell-shaped flowers in shades of purple, white, pink and yellow � among the most iconic of all cottage-garden and woodland plants.
About the genus
Digitalis, the foxgloves, are biennials or usually short-lived perennials forming a rosette of simple leaves with bell-shaped flowers in slender, erect, usually one-sided racemes in late spring and early summer. Iconic cottage-garden and woodland plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Sand, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy, Suckering
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toSubarctic N America to C & E USA
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningPruning group 6
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings, or separate suckers in late winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to honeysuckle aphids, Thrips and glasshouse whitefly
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, fungal leaf spot, silver leaf and honey fungus (rarely)