About
This usually reliable evergreen, clump-forming perennial to 50cm, sometimes more, with glossy green leaves and rather narrow spikes of small, close-set, almost tubular pale yellow or cream-coloured flowers in summer.
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 shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting
Native toCaucasus
ToxicityTOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling 31806,digitalis-davisiana,Digitalis davisiana,,A rewarding Digitalis selection
Care notes
CultivationWill grow in almost any soil or situation except very wet or very dry; ideal site is a humus-rich soil in partial shade. See foxglove cultivation for further advice
PruningCut back main flower spike as it fades to encourage the growth of flowering side shoots
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in late spring or propagate by division in early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and leaf and bud eelworm
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, downy mildews and leaf spot