Introducing...

Perennial foxgloves

Botanical name: Digitalis

With slender spikes of tubular flowers in gentle hues, such as soft yellow, rusty orange or dusky pink, perennial foxgloves are more modest, but slightly longer lived than biennial types. They give vertical structure to dappled shade in early summer, combining well with ferns and hardy geraniums.

Looks

Perennial foxgloves send up elegant spires of bell-like flowers above rosettes of glossy or downy leaves. The different species vary in height, flower shape and size, from Digitalis grandiflora with spikes of large yellow blooms to D. ferruginea with slender spires of small rust-coloured bells.

Likes

Perennial foxgloves are happy in most soil types, but prefer plenty of added organic matter, such as garden compost. They thrive in light shade, although most will also grow well in sun, as long as the soil is moist.

Dislikes

They will struggle in soil that dries out for long periods or is permanently wet. Hot sun can scorch the soft foliage.

Did you know?

Foxgloves contain chemicals used in the treatment of heart conditions, but they are also extremely toxic, so you should always wear gloves when handling plants and seeds.

Growing guide

How to grow foxgloves

All the information you’ll need to and care for foxgloves in your garden

How to grow foxgloves