Overview
Digitalis grandiflora is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Digitalis, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Digitalis grandiflora grows best in full shade, full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit and attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden. It is native to Europe to W Siberia.
About
Digitalis grandiflora is a perennial that forms clumps and can reach heights of up to 80 cm. It features dark green, evergreen leaves and produces upright spikes adorned with tubular flowers that are creamy yellow and measure 4 to 5 cm long.
About the genus
Digitalis species can be biennial or typically short-lived perennial plants that develop a rosette of simple leaves. They are characterized by their bell-shaped flowers, which grow in slender, upright, often one-sided racemes.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Digitalis
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Digitalis grandiflora size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- Europe to W Siberia
- Toxicity
- TOXIC 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
Pruning and caring for Digitalis grandiflora
- Cultivation
- Will 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
- Pruning
- Cut back main flower spike as it fades to encourage the growth of flowering side shoots
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in late spring or propagate by division in early spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids and leaf and bud eelworm
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews, downy mildews and leaf spot
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Digitalis grandiflora?
Will 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.
Where is the best place to plant Digitalis grandiflora?
Digitalis grandiflora prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Digitalis grandiflora need?
Digitalis grandiflora is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Digitalis grandiflora?
Cut back main flower spike as it fades to encourage the growth of flowering side shoots.
How big does Digitalis grandiflora grow?
Digitalis grandiflora reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Digitalis grandiflora hardy in the UK?
Digitalis grandiflora has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Digitalis grandiflora?
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in late spring or propagate by division in early spring.
Is Digitalis grandiflora good for pollinators?
Yes — Digitalis grandiflora attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.
Is Digitalis grandiflora toxic?
TOXIC 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.