About
This erect biennial with tall, one-sided spires of pure white, unspotted flowers in summer.
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 pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, City and courtyard gardens, 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 situations. Prefers a humus-rich soil in partial shade but will grow in full sun. See foxglove cultivation for further advice
PruningCut back after flowering to avoid problems with self seeding
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in situ in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and leaf and bud eelworm
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews and a leaf spot