Foxgloves
Digitalis hybrids
Botanical name: D. purpurea. and D.mertonensis
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Plant type: Herbaceous bi-ennial. Some varieties will self-seed with a little encouragement.
Size (HxW):
- D.purpurea 1.5m x 40-45cm.
- D.mertonensis 1m x 45cm.
Frost: Hardy.
Flowering time: Late Spring to Summer
Planting time: Autumn to Spring
Soil type: Good drainage is best but we have seen them tolerate quite wet soils without fuss.
Aspect:Full sun to light shade
Planting depth and spacing: Plant with the crown at the soil surface and 30-40cm apart.
Watering: Keep the soil moist actively growing.
Fertilising: Apply a liquid fertiliser 2 or 3 times during the growing period.
Climates: Cooler parts of Australia are ideal.
Comment: After flowering cut stem back for a second Autumn flowering. They flower for approx. 2 years, then they loose vigour and should be taken out. At this time the new seedlings from the first flowering seasons seeds should begin to flower.