About
A compact, semi-evergreen perennial, to 60cm high in flower, with narrowly ovate, toothed green leaves. Upright spikes bearing outward-facing, bell-shaped flowers, deep purple-pink on the outside and coppery orange in the throats, are produced over a long season from late spring to late 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, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildflower meadow, 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
CultivationWill grow in almost any soil or situation except very wet or very dry; ideally a sheltered, warm site with humus-rich soil, with at least 6 hours of sun in summer. May be short-lived for a perennial. See foxglove cultivation for more detailed advice
PruningDeadhead to encourage more flowers (unless seeds are required)
PropagationPropagate by division in early spring. As this plant is protected by Plant Breeders' Rights, any propagation should be for personal rather than commercial use
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, leaf and bud eelworms, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, downy mildews and leaf spot