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.
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
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.
More in the Digitalis genus
- Digitalis leucophaea
- Digitalis purpureacommon foxglove
- Digitalis purpurea 'Pink Gin'
- Digitalis thapsi 'Spanish Peaks'
- Digitalis 'Knee High Cream' (Knee High Series)
- Digitalis Vesuvius Group
- Digitalis cariensis
- Digitalis obscura dwarf