About
An evergreen, sparingly-branched shrub, to 1.5m in height, with serrated, oval, dark green leaves. Flowers are foxglove-like with a flattened appearance, reddish-orange or apricot in colour and held on upright spikes to 30cm in length.
About the genus
Digitalis can be biennials or usually short-lived perennials forming a rosette of simple leaves with bell-shaped flowers in slender, erect, usually one-sided racemes
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Shrubs
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Sub-tropical, Coastal, Patio and container plants
Native toCanary Islands
ToxicityTOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full or bright filtered light with low to moderate humidity, during growth water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly, water sparingly in winter; outdoors, in frost-free climates grow in moist but well-drained soil in sun or part shade with shelter
PruningPruning group 9 cut back main flower spike as it fades to encourage the growth of flowering side shoots
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in pots at 18-24°C in spring, propagate by softwood cuttings in spring or by semi-ripe cuttings in summer with bottom heat
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and leaf and bud eelworm
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, downy mildews and leaf spot