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Herbaceous PerennialAlpine Rockery

Digitalis obscura 'Dusky Maid'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

foxglove 'Dusky Maid'

A semi-evergreen perennial, to around 60cm high, with a woody base and narrowly linear, grey-green leaves. Upright spikes bearing nodding, tubular to bell-shaped flowers, in shades of red, burnt orange and golden yellow, are produced from spring to late summer

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Red Orange Yellow Green Grey Silver
Summer Red Orange Yellow Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Plantaginaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
TOXIC 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
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

Name status

Not established

How to grow

Cultivation

Prefers a sunny, well drained site; perfect for a rockery or alpine house. Needs protection from hard frosts and excess winter wet. See foxglove cultivation for more detailed advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sown in pots in a cold frame in late spring, or by division in early spring. Plants grown from seed may vary

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Deadhead to encourage more flowers (unless seeds are required)

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, leaf and bud eelworms, slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews, downy mildews and leaf spot

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