About

A compact, semi-evergreen perennial, to 45cm high in flower, with a rosette of smooth, lance-shaped dark green leaves at the base. Upright spikes bearing numerous nodding, bell-shaped, peachy yellow flowers are produced over a long season from mid summer into early autumn.

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, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming, Columnar upright
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
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

CultivationWill grow in almost any soil or situation except very wet or very dry; ideally a sheltered, warm site with humus-rich soil in light or partial shade. See foxglove cultivation for more detailed advice
PruningDeadhead to encourage more flowers
PropagationPropagate by division in early spring, this cultivar is sterile and will not produce seed. As this plant is protected by Plant Breeders' Rights, any propagation should be for personal rather than commercial use
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, leaf and bud eelworms, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, downy mildews and leaf spot