Digitalis grandiflora (Ambigua)

Description

Digitalis grandiflora is a compact perennial foxglove producing large, soft yellow tubular flowers with delicately spotted throats. Growing to 60cm tall and 40cm wide, it thrives in full sun or partial shade and adds bright, long-lasting colour to borders, containers, and cottage gardens.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The ideal time to plant Digitalis grandiflora is in spring when the soil begins to warm. This allows the roots to establish before the blooming season, ensuring strong growth.
• Autumn: Planting in early autumn is also effective, giving your Digitalis time to settle before dormancy and encouraging a vigorous display the following year.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Digitalis grandiflora thrives in full sun to partial shade. Select a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is essential for Digitalis. Avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent root rot. Enrich soil with compost or organic matter for best results.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball of Digitalis grandiflora to give roots room to spread.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix in compost or organic matter to boost fertility and drainage, promoting strong growth and vibrant flowers.
3. Planting: Place your Digitalis in the hole, keeping the root ball level with the soil surface. Backfill gently and firm the soil to eliminate air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly to help settle the soil and encourage root establishment, ensuring the area drains well.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Digitalis grandiflora is moderately drought-tolerant. Water during dry spells, letting the soil dry slightly between sessions. Avoid overwatering, which can cause root problems.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering significantly during dormancy. Only water if the soil becomes excessively dry.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to support healthy new growth and abundant flowers for Digitalis grandiflora.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer can prolong flowering and maintain the plant’s vigour throughout the season.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to extend the blooming period and encourage new flower production on Digitalis grandiflora.
• Autumn Pruning: After flowering finishes, cut back to ground level to prepare for winter dormancy and support healthy growth next season.

Mulching

• Spring: Add a layer of mulch around Digitalis grandiflora to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate temperature. Use organic materials such as bark chips or compost.
• Winter: Mulching in winter protects the roots from cold and prevents frost heaving, helping your Digitalis survive until the next growing season.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking is rarely needed for Digitalis grandiflora due to its sturdy stems. However, in exposed or windy areas, consider staking to prevent damage.

Final Tips

Digitalis grandiflora is a low-maintenance perennial that adds cheerful yellow blooms to any garden. By planting in well-drained soil with full sun or partial shade, and following this care guide, Digitalis will reward you with a vibrant and reliable display from May to July, attracting bees and enhancing your garden borders and containers.

RHS Details

See more Digitalis from Proctors