Overview
Digitalis purpurea is a bushy annual biennial in the genus Digitalis, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Digitalis purpurea grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include coastal, wildflower meadow, city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens. It is native to W Europe.
About
Digitalis purpurea is a biennial or short-lived perennial that typically reaches heights of 1 to 2 meters. It readily self-seeds, producing a dense rosette of softly hairy, oval-shaped leaves. In the summer, it produces tall, one-sided flower spikes adorned with tubular, pendulous flowers that measure approximately 6 cm in length and feature distinctive spots on the interior.
About the genus
Digitalis species can be biennial or typically short-lived perennial plants that develop a rosette of simple leaves. They are characterized by their bell-shaped flowers, which grow in slender, upright, often one-sided racemes.
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
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Digitalis purpurea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Wildflower meadow, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- W Europe
- 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
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Digitalis purpurea
- Cultivation
- Grow in almost any soil,but avoid very wet or very dry situations. Prefers a humus-rich soil in partial shade but will grow in full sun. See foxglove cultivation for further advice
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in-situ in late spring. Alternatively sow in seed trays in late spring and plant out to final position in late summer; deadhead flowers regularly if seed is not required
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids and leaf and bud eelworm
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews, downy mildews and leaf spot
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Digitalis purpurea?
Grow in almost any soil,but avoid very wet or very dry situations. Prefers a humus-rich soil in partial shade but will grow in full sun. See foxglove cultivation for further advice.
Where is the best place to plant Digitalis purpurea?
Digitalis purpurea prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Digitalis purpurea need?
Digitalis purpurea 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.
How do I prune Digitalis purpurea?
Cut back after flowering.
How big does Digitalis purpurea grow?
Digitalis purpurea reaches a height of 1.5-2.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 1-2 years to reach full size.
Is Digitalis purpurea hardy in the UK?
Digitalis purpurea has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Digitalis purpurea?
Propagate by seed sown in-situ in late spring. Alternatively sow in seed trays in late spring and plant out to final position in late summer; deadhead flowers regularly if seed is not required.
Is Digitalis purpurea good for pollinators?
Yes — Digitalis purpurea attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.
Is Digitalis purpurea 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.