Overview
Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora 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 f. albiflora 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, cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens, wildflower meadow and wildlife gardens. It is native to Europe.
About
Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora is a biennial or short-lived perennial characterized by its softly hairy foliage. It produces elongated, one-sided spikes that bear pendulous, tubular flowers measuring approximately 6 cm in length, which are creamy-white in color.
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 f. albiflora 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, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- 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 f. albiflora
- 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
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids and leaf and bud eelworm
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to leaf spots and powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora?
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 f. albiflora?
Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora need?
Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora 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 f. albiflora?
Cut back after flowering.
How big does Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora grow?
Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora 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 f. albiflora hardy in the UK?
Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora?
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.
Is Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora good for pollinators?
Yes — Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.
Is Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora 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.