Overview
Digitalis lutea is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Digitalis, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Digitalis lutea grows best in full shade, full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens, coastal, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds. It is native to Belgium, Flemish Region, Walloon Region and Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
About
Digitalis lutea, the straw foxglove or small yellow foxglove, is a species of flowering plant in the plantain family Plantaginaceae, that is native to western and southern Europe and North West Africa.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Digitalis lutea
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Digitalis
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Digitalis lutea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Belgium, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
- Toxicity
- Toxic if ingested; contains cardiac glycosides
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Digitalis lutea
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny or partially shaded position; tolerates dry conditions once established
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower spikes to encourage further blooming; cut back foliage after flowering to maintain plant vigor
- Propagation
- Seed sown in-situ in late spring, 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
How do I grow Digitalis lutea?
Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny or partially shaded position; tolerates dry conditions once established.
Where is the best place to plant Digitalis lutea?
Digitalis lutea prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Digitalis lutea need?
Digitalis lutea is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Digitalis lutea?
Remove spent flower spikes to encourage further blooming; cut back foliage after flowering to maintain plant vigor.
How big does Digitalis lutea grow?
Digitalis lutea reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Digitalis lutea hardy in the UK?
Digitalis lutea has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Digitalis lutea?
Seed sown in-situ in late spring, Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in late spring, Division in early spring.
Is Digitalis lutea toxic?
Toxic if ingested; contains cardiac glycosides.
