About
This upright perennial, 60-80cm high, with lance-shaped, bright to rich green leaves. Spires of small, tubular, pale yellow flowers, sometimes with small spots of red, are produced in early to midsummer.
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, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
ToxicityTOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling 42028,primula-elatior-var-tatarica,Primula elatior var. tatarica,,A rewarding Primula selection
Care notes
CultivationThrives in humus-rich, well-drained, slightly alkaline soil, ideally in partial shade though will tolerate full sun. 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 by division in early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and leaf and bud eelworm
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf spot and powdery mildews