Overview
Digitalis purpurea (Gloxinioides Group) 'The Shirley' is a columnar upright annual biennial in the genus Digitalis, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with semi evergreen 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 (Gloxinioides Group) 'The Shirley' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH.
About the genus
Digitalis is a genus of about 20 species of herbaceous perennial plants, shrubs, and biennials, commonly called foxgloves.
Wikipedia contributors, "Digitalis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Digitalis
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
- East-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
Plant details
Digitalis purpurea (Gloxinioides Group) 'The Shirley' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Digitalis purpurea (Gloxinioides Group) 'The Shirley'?
Digitalis purpurea (Gloxinioides Group) 'The Shirley' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Digitalis purpurea (Gloxinioides Group) 'The Shirley' need?
Digitalis purpurea (Gloxinioides Group) 'The Shirley' 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 big does Digitalis purpurea (Gloxinioides Group) 'The Shirley' grow?
Digitalis purpurea (Gloxinioides Group) 'The Shirley' 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.
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More in the Digitalis genus
- Digitalis ferrugineaRusty Foxglove

- Digitalis lanataGrecian foxglove
- Digitalis parviflorasmall-flowered foxglove
- Digitalis × mertonensisstrawberry foxglove
- Digitalis xmertonensisFoxglove