Overview
Digitalis purpurea var. tomentosa is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Digitalis, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. Digitalis purpurea var. tomentosa grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens, mediterranean climate plants, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.
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.
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
- North-facing, South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Digitalis purpurea var. tomentosa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
- 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 var. tomentosa
- Propagation
- Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in late spring, Division in early spring
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Leaf and bud eelworm
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Downy mildews, Leaf spot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Digitalis purpurea var. tomentosa?
Digitalis purpurea var. tomentosa prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Digitalis purpurea var. tomentosa need?
Digitalis purpurea var. tomentosa 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.
Is Digitalis purpurea var. tomentosa hardy in the UK?
Digitalis purpurea var. tomentosa has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Digitalis purpurea var. tomentosa?
Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in late spring, Division in early spring.
Is Digitalis purpurea var. tomentosa toxic?
Digitalis purpurea, the foxglove or common foxglove, is a toxic species of flowering plant in the plantain family Plantaginaceae, native to and widesp.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Digitalis genus
- Digitalis ferrugineaRusty Foxglove
- Digitalis lanataGrecian foxglove
- Digitalis parviflorasmall-flowered foxglove
- Digitalis × mertonensisstrawberry foxglove
- Digitalis xmertonensisFoxglove