About the genus

Digitalis is a genus of about 20 species of herbaceous perennial plants, shrubs, and biennials, commonly called foxgloves.

Wikipedia contributors, "Digitalis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Digitalis

In the garden

Digitalis ferruginea originates from central and eastern Europe and the Caucasus and is a member of the Plantaginaceae. It grows as a biennial or short-lived perennial, producing a ground rosette of oblong dark green leaves before sending up vertical flower spikes that reach roughly 1.2 metres. The flowers are a distinctive russet shade and appear from June to August, giving clear seasonal interest when in bloom. Plant where the 1.2 metre height will sit comfortably behind lower plants; the upright spikes make a useful vertical element in mixed herbaceous borders or naturalistic groups. Its biennial habit means it commonly produces foliage the first year and flowers in the following season, so plan planting to allow that cycle. The species has received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, which reflects reliable garden performance under UK conditions. Take precautions when handling and siting the plant: all parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested, and leaf contact can provoke allergic reactions. Wear gloves when cutting back spent flowering stems and keep the plant out of reach of children and animals to avoid accidental ingestion.

From the Fenn Plants journal

• Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
• Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
• Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.

More in the Digitalis genus

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  Digitalis lanataGrecian foxglove
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  Digitalis parviflorasmall-flowered foxglove
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  Digitalis × mertonensisstrawberry foxglove
• Digitalis xmertonensisFoxglove