Overview

Digitalis purpurea 'Snowthimble' is a columnar upright, bushy biennial in the genus Digitalis, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1.2 m tall and 0.8 m wide. Digitalis purpurea 'Snowthimble' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds. It is native to Europe.

About

Digitalis purpurea, the foxglove or common foxglove, is a toxic species of flowering plant in the plantain family Plantaginaceae, native to and widespread throughout most of temperate Europe. It has also naturalized in parts of North America, as well as some other temperate regions.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Digitalis purpurea

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 4.0Digitalis

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Digitalis

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Digitalis purpurea 'Snowthimble' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Biennial, Perennial
Habit
Columnar upright, Bushy
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Height
1.2 m
Spread
0.8 m
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
Native to
Europe
Toxicity
Digitalis purpurea, the foxglove or common foxglove, is a toxic species of flowering plant in the plantain family Plantaginaceae, native to and widesp

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Digitalis purpurea 'Snowthimble'

Cultivation
Prefers well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Avoid waterlogged conditions. Can self-seed readily.
Pruning
Remove spent flower spikes to encourage further blooming and prevent unwanted self-seeding.
Propagation
Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in late spring, Division in early spring
Pest resistance
Aphids, Leaf and bud eelworms, Slugs, Snails
Disease resistance
Powdery mildews, Downy mildews, Leaf spot

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Digitalis purpurea 'Snowthimble'?

Prefers well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Avoid waterlogged conditions. Can self-seed readily.

Where is the best place to plant Digitalis purpurea 'Snowthimble'?

Digitalis purpurea 'Snowthimble' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Digitalis purpurea 'Snowthimble' need?

Digitalis purpurea 'Snowthimble' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.

How do I prune Digitalis purpurea 'Snowthimble'?

Remove spent flower spikes to encourage further blooming and prevent unwanted self-seeding.

How big does Digitalis purpurea 'Snowthimble' grow?

Digitalis purpurea 'Snowthimble' reaches a height of 1.2 m and a spread of 0.8 m.

Is Digitalis purpurea 'Snowthimble' hardy in the UK?

Digitalis purpurea 'Snowthimble' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Digitalis purpurea 'Snowthimble'?

Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in late spring, Division in early spring.

Is Digitalis purpurea 'Snowthimble' toxic?

Digitalis purpurea, the foxglove or common foxglove, is a toxic species of flowering plant in the plantain family Plantaginaceae, native to and widesp.

More in the Digitalis genus

Browse all Digitalis