Guide to Nurturing Foxgloves, a Key Element in Traditional English Cottage Gardens
Unleashing the Magic of Foxgloves in Your Garden
Ever wanted a flower that's as iconic in the English garden as a pint of beer at a pub? Look no further than foxgloves, with their towering stems adorned with thimble-shaped blossoms. These enchanting flowers might be toxic to humans and pets, thanks to digitoxin, but they've been linked to magic and witches in folklore. After all, what's more mystical than the name 'witches' fingers' or 'witches' hats'? And let's not forget their allure to fairies, though they now are more valued for attracting bees and butterflies - something we should all aim for in our backyards.
When to Plant Foxgloves
Nurturing a foxglove patch begins with understanding their needs. Digitalis purpurea, the European native, blooms in shades of pink, purple, and white and is a biennial which self-seeds. June is the prime time to sow these seeds, while seedlings big enough to transfer to separate pots should be done in spring. By autumn, they are ready for planting. Don't underestimate these woodland prodigies – they won't mind a shady spot but will also flourish in full sun. For a second bloom, be sure to deadhead the flowers.
For a more consistently perennial scenic show, opt for Digitalis grandiflora. This continental beauty, growing up to 90cm tall, will reward you with stunning blooms from May to July if it's happy in its humus-rich soil, preferably in light shade, although it will also thrive in full sun. Plant it directly outdoors in late summer or autumn or cover in early spring for a head start.
Choosing the Perfect Foxglove
There's no denying the magnetic allure of foxgloves. Florist Kitten Grayson, who's been cultivating heaps of them, can't get enough of these mystical blooms. Here are some of her favorites:
- D. x mertonensis (Strawberry foxglove), with its delicate, pale pink blossoms.
- D. purpurea 'Sutton's Apricot', a vibrant apricot-hued variety.
- Digitalis lanata or 'woolly foxglove', renowned for its fuzzy, grayish foliage.
- Digitalis purpurea ssp. heywoodii, 'Silver Fox', with silver speckled blooms.
- D. purpurea 'Pam's Choice', a stunning white variety with eye-catching purple splotches.
Kitten usually arranges them for dramatic displays or simple bundles, but she recommends planting them in a border with a variety of heights to support them, such as ammi, viburnum, peonies, and sweet rocket. Clare Foster, our garden editor, has opted for a loose, naturalistic front garden at her Berkshire home featuring Digitalis grandiflora, paired with white centranthrus, ammi, nigella, and hollyhocks.
[1] https://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife-communities/advice-and-help/nature-friendly-gardening/flowers-for-wildlife/foxgloves/[2] https://www.naturalabsence.com/learn/top-10-california-native-plants-for-hummingbirds/[3] https://www.gardenmyths.com/planting-foxgloves-creeping-Strawberries-together/
In the realm of enchanting flowers for your home-and-garden, foxgloves stand out with their mystical allure. Following Kitten Grayson's recommendations, one could choose from several captivating varieties such as the strawberry foxglove, vibrant apricot-hued Digitalis purpurea 'Sutton's Apricot', the fuzzy grayish foliage of Digitalis lanata, the silver speckled blooms of Digitalis purpurea ssp. heywoodii, or the stunning white variety with eye-catching purple splotches, D. purpurea 'Pam's Choice'. To create the perfect design for these magical plants, consider pairing them with tall plants like ammi, viburnum, peonies, or sweet rocket, as suggested by florist Kitten Grayson and garden editor Clare Foster.
