About
A biennial or short-lived perennial to 60cm tall, with a basal rosette of hairy, ovate leaves with toothed edges. Upright spikes of pale lilac-pink flowers, speckled purple in the throats, are produced in 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, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow
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 positions. 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, sown in late spring in situ or in containers in a cold frame
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, and to glasshouse red spider mite and whitefly if grown under glass
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to leaf spot and powdery mildews