Digitalis purpurea ‘Dalmatian Peach’

Description

Digitalis purpurea ‘Dalmatian Peach’ is a short-lived perennial producing upright stems of soft peach trumpet flowers, delicately spotted with yellow-cream markings. Growing to 50cm in height with a 40cm spread, it blooms from May to July. This foxglove attracts bees and thrives in full sun or partial shade with well-drained soil.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The optimal time to plant Digitalis purpurea ‘Dalmatian Peach’ is in spring when the soil begins to warm. This allows the roots to establish firmly before the flowering season, resulting in a healthy, robust plant.
• Autumn: Alternatively, you can plant your Digitalis in early autumn. This gives the plant time to settle before dormancy, encouraging strong growth the following year.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Digitalis purpurea ‘Dalmatian Peach’ thrives in full sun to partial shade. Choose a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal flower production.
• Soil: Ensure well-drained soil for Digitalis. Avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent root rot. Adding compost or organic matter improves soil fertility and drainage.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width and the same depth as the root ball to give Digitalis purpurea ‘Dalmatian Peach’ room to spread its roots comfortably.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or organic matter into the soil to enhance nutrients and drainage. Digitalis grows best in fertile, well-draining soil.
3. Planting: Position the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill gently, firming the soil to remove air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly to help settle the soil and encourage root establishment. Ensure excess water drains away.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Water your Digitalis during dry spells, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as this can damage roots.
• 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 strong growth and abundant blooms for Digitalis purpurea ‘Dalmatian Peach’.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer helps encourage continued flowering and maintains plant vigour.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to extend the blooming season and keep Digitalis purpurea ‘Dalmatian Peach’ tidy.
• Autumn Pruning: After flowering ends, cut back to ground level to prepare for winter dormancy and promote healthier growth next season.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Winter: Mulch helps protect the roots from cold temperatures and prevents frost heaving, ensuring Digitalis purpurea ‘Dalmatian Peach’ survives the season.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Digitalis purpurea ‘Dalmatian Peach’ has sturdy stems, so staking is usually unnecessary. In windy locations, consider staking to prevent stem damage.

Final Tips

Digitalis purpurea ‘Dalmatian Peach’ is an attractive, low-maintenance perennial that adds soft peach tones to any garden. By planting in full sun or partial shade with well-drained soil and following this care routine, your Digitalis will reward you with beautiful, bee-attracting blooms from May to July.

RHS Details

See more Digitalis from Proctors