Foxgloves (digitalis)

Modern foxgloves range from tall and elegant, bushy and punchy to simply delightful - both close up and from afar

- Graham Rice

THE elegant foxglove (digitalis), which has many varieties derived from our British native wildflower, bring together three features that please everyone and suit a number of different garden situations.

Most make elegant, almost statuesque plants that develop into attractive specimen clumps - taller varieties for the back of the border, others for more forward positions, in wild gardens or even containers. The individual flared, tubular flowers are often prettily spotted inside or blotched or hazed in contrasting colours.

Hardy biennial foxgloves

Foxgloves fall into three groups. The hardy biennial varieties, including our native Digitalis purpurea, grow and develop rosettes of leaves in their first year, then flower, shed seed and die in their second year. These are the most flamboyant types, in a wide range of colours and often boldly spotted. If promptly deadheaded, these may flower another year.

Hardy perennial foxgloves

The hardy perennials are usually shorter than other types, with smaller flowers, and while not as long-lived as many other perennials they will usually live three to five years, and longer if carefully lifted, divided and replanted in spring.

Half-hardy perennials

Plants in this relatively new half-hardy perennial group make colourful displays over the summer and into autumn, but need good drainage and shelter from icy conditions to survive the winter. Plants in containers that can be moved into a cosy corner are the most likely to survive.

6 biennial foxgloves