About
This clump-forming biennial or short-lived perennial, to 1m high in flower, with soft, silvery leaves irregularly toothed at the edges. Loose spikes of pale creamy yellow buds open to white flowers in late spring and early 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 sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Annual Biennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, 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
CultivationGrow in a sheltered site with well-drained, humus-rich soil in sun or light shade. See foxglove cultivation for more detailed advice
PruningNo pruning required, but deadheading will encourage growth for the following year
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in pots in a cold frame in late spring, or by division in early spring. Plants may self-seed, but may not come true unless grown in isolation
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