About
A compact, clump-forming annual/biennial with large rosettes of oblong-shaped, dark green, downy foliage. Upright spikes of pink-purple, trumpet-shaped flowers with spotted throats appear in June and July.
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
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Wildlife gardens
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
CultivationGrow in almost any soil, but avoid very wet or very dry conditions. Prefers a humus-rich soil in partial shade but will grow in full sun. See foxglove cultivation for further advice
PruningDeadhead after flowering unless seed is required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and leaf and bud eelworm
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf spots and powdery mildews