Overview
Digitalis leucophaea is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Digitalis, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. Digitalis leucophaea grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens, mediterranean climate plants, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.
About
Digitalis leucophaea is a semi-evergreen cultivar of the Digitalis genus, known for its columnar upright habit. Like other Digitalis species, it features bell-shaped flowers arranged in slender, upright racemes. This plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and is adaptable to various soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained conditions. Hardy to UK zone H6, it is suitable for a range of garden settings such as cottage gardens, city courtyards, and wildlife-friendly spaces, offering seasonal interest in spring and summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Digitalis
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Digitalis leucophaea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Digitalis leucophaea
- Propagation
- Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in late spring, Division in early spring
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Leaf and bud eelworm
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Downy mildews, Leaf spot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Digitalis leucophaea?
Digitalis leucophaea prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Digitalis leucophaea need?
Digitalis leucophaea 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.
Is Digitalis leucophaea hardy in the UK?
Digitalis leucophaea has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Digitalis leucophaea?
Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in late spring, Division in early spring.
More in the Digitalis genus
- Digitalis purpureacommon foxglove
- Digitalis purpurea 'Pink Gin'
- Digitalis thapsi 'Spanish Peaks'
- Digitalis 'Knee High Cream' (Knee High Series)
- Digitalis Vesuvius Group
- Digitalis cariensis
- Digitalis obscura dwarf
- Digitalis purpurea var. tomentosa