About
An erect perennial forming a rosette of evergreen lance-shaped leaves, with cream or pale yellow flowers 2.5cm long, veined with brown, in a long spike 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
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toE Turkey, N Iran, Caucasus
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. It will grow in partial shade, though generally does better in a sunnier situation. 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. Propagate by careful division in early spring or from basal cuttings, see softwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and leaf and bud eelworm
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf spots and powdery mildews