About
A rosette-forming perennial to 1m tall, producing a basal clump of oval, dark green leaves, with erect leafy stems bearing loose racemes of brown-veined, light yellow flowers 3.5cm long 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 sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toS. Europe
ToxicityTOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling 31810,digitalis-leucophaea,Digitalis leucophaea,,This herbaceous perennial
Care notes
CultivationWill grow in almost any soil or situation except very wet or very dry. Performs best in a humus-rich soil in sunny situation or partial shade. Generally a short-lived perennial. 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 careful division in early spring. Try basal cuttings in spring - see softwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and leaf and bud eelworm
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf spots and powdery mildews