An unusual foxglove with woolly stems covered in caramel-brown flowers with a white lip and a gold and rust-brown patterning inside the throat. Flowers from May to July. Height 60cm. Spread 30cm. Full sun/partial shade. Well-drained soil. Hardy. Attracts bees.
Digitalis lanata ‘Cafe Creme’ is a distinctive and elegant foxglove known for its caramel-brown blooms with creamy white lips and intricate gold and rust patterns inside the throat. This hardy perennial is perfect for adding texture and unique colouring to borders, wildlife gardens, and cottage-style planting schemes. Its woolly stems and upright habit make it a standout addition, while also being highly attractive to bees.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: The best time to plant Digitalis lanata ‘Cafe Creme’ is in spring, allowing the plant to establish strong roots before the flowering season begins. This ensures healthy growth and prolific blooming.
Autumn: You can also plant Digitalis in early autumn to let it settle before winter dormancy. This helps promote robust flowering the following year.
Site Selection
Sunlight: Digitalis lanata ‘Cafe Creme’ thrives in full sun or partial shade. Choose a spot that receives several hours of light each day, as this encourages tall, healthy stems and vibrant flower spikes.
Soil: Plant in well-drained soil. It prefers a soil that’s rich in organic matter but not waterlogged. Adding compost or leaf mould before planting will improve both structure and fertility.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the plant’s root ball to allow ample room for the roots to spread.
Soil Preparation: Mix compost into the soil to boost drainage and nutrients. Digitalis lanata ‘Cafe Creme’ grows best in soil that is fertile but not overly wet.
Planting: Position the plant so the crown is level with the soil surface, then backfill and gently firm the soil to remove air pockets.
Watering After Planting: Water your Digitalis thoroughly after planting to help the soil settle around the roots. Avoid waterlogging the area.
Watering Requirements
Growing Season: Water regularly during active growth, especially in dry spells, keeping the soil moist but never saturated. Once established, Digitalis is fairly drought-tolerant but prefers consistent moisture.
Dormant Season: Reduce watering significantly in the cooler months. Only water occasionally if the soil becomes dry.
Feeding
Spring: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring to encourage vigorous new growth and strong flower spikes.
Mid-Summer: A light feed during flowering will help Digitalis lanata ‘Cafe Creme’ sustain its bloom quality and extend the flowering period.
Pruning
Deadheading: Remove faded flowers promptly to encourage continued blooming and prevent self-seeding. This also keeps your Digitalis neat and tidy.
Post-Flowering Cut Back: After the final blooms, cut the plant back to the base to prepare it for its next growing season.
Mulching
Spring: Apply a generous layer of mulch, such as compost or bark chips, around the base of Digitalis lanata ‘Cafe Creme’ to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Winter: Mulching in winter helps insulate the roots and protect them from fluctuating soil temperatures.
Supporting the Plant
Staking: Digitalis lanata ‘Cafe Creme’ generally has sturdy stems, but taller plants may benefit from light staking, especially in exposed or windy areas.
Final Tips
Digitalis lanata ‘Cafe Creme’ is a striking and easy-care perennial that provides months of colour and charm. Plant it in groups for maximum visual impact, and combine it with other cottage garden favourites like Salvia and Campanula. With full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil, this Digitalis will reward you with elegant flower spikes from late spring to midsummer while attracting bees and pollinators to your garden.
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