Overview
Digitalis lanata is a perennial herbaceous in the genus Digitalis, part of the Plantaginaceae family. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall. Digitalis lanata grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. It is native to E Turkey, N Iran and Caucasus.
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 lanata is a perennial herbaceous member of the Plantaginaceae from eastern Turkey, northern Iran and the Caucasus. It forms upright flowering stems to around 0.6 m and flowers in the UK from June to August, providing high summer interest when in bloom. For best results site Grecian foxglove in full sun on a free‑draining soil; it tolerates sandy, loamy or clay soils provided they do not remain waterlogged. The root environment should stay moist but not saturated; surface mulch can help retain moisture while maintaining drainage. Allow space for a single upright stem habit and avoid heavy shade, which will reduce flowering. Use Digitalis lanata in mixed herbaceous borders where a 0.6 m spike complements taller perennials, or place it with gravel or prairie plantings that favour sun and well‑drained ground. Take care when handling or locating plants: all parts are toxic if ingested, and the species is TOXIC to pets — wear gloves and other protective equipment when working with foliage and see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers. Avoid siting where children or animals might access seedheads or cuttings.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Digitalis
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Plant details
Digitalis lanata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial herbaceous
- Height
- 0.6 m
- Native to
- E Turkey, N Iran, Caucasus
- 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
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Digitalis lanata?
Digitalis lanata prefers full sun.
What soil does Digitalis lanata need?
Digitalis lanata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How big does Digitalis lanata grow?
Digitalis lanata reaches a height of 0.6 m.
Is Digitalis lanata 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.
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
- Digitalis ferrugineaRusty Foxglove
- Digitalis parviflorasmall-flowered foxglove
- Digitalis × mertonensisstrawberry foxglove
- Digitalis xmertonensisFoxglove