Digitalis ‘Apricot Beauty’

Description

Digitalis ‘Apricot Beauty’ is a stunning foxglove known for its tall spires of densely packed apricot-peach tubular flowers. Reaching a height of up to 1m with a spread of around 30cm, this hardy perennial is a favourite for pollinators and brings elegance and colour to garden borders and cottage-style plantings. Follow this guide to get the best results from your Digitalis ‘Apricot Beauty’.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The best time to plant Digitalis ‘Apricot Beauty’ is in spring when the soil has begun to warm. This allows the roots to establish well before flowering season, producing strong growth.
• Autumn: Planting in early autumn also works well, giving the plant time to settle before its dormant period and encouraging vigorous growth the following year.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Digitalis ‘Apricot Beauty’ thrives in full sun to partial shade. Select a position that benefits from several hours of direct sunlight to maximise flowering.
• Soil: Ensure the soil is fertile, moist yet well-drained. Poor drainage can cause root problems, so improve the ground with compost or organic matter to enhance soil structure and fertility.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width and equal depth of the root ball to give space for root growth.
2. Soil Preparation: Add compost or organic material to the planting hole to enrich the soil.
3. Planting: Position the plant so the top of the root ball sits level with the soil surface. Backfill carefully and firm the soil gently.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to help the soil settle around the roots and encourage quick establishment.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during dry periods. Avoid waterlogging, as Digitalis ‘Apricot Beauty’ dislikes standing water.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering significantly, providing moisture only if the soil becomes very dry.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to give Digitalis ‘Apricot Beauty’ a strong start to the growing season.
• Mid-Summer: A second, lighter feed during flowering will help extend the blooming season and encourage robust growth.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering and keep Digitalis ‘Apricot Beauty’ looking tidy. This also encourages further flower spikes.
• Autumn Pruning: Once flowering has finished, cut back the stems to ground level to prepare the plant for its dormant phase.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a mulch layer around the base of Digitalis ‘Apricot Beauty’ in spring to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and stabilise soil temperature.
• Winter: A protective mulch in winter helps insulate the roots and ensures the plant returns healthy the following season.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Tall flower spikes of Digitalis ‘Apricot Beauty’ may require staking, especially in exposed or windy areas. Support helps prevent stems from bending or breaking.

Final Tips

Digitalis ‘Apricot Beauty’ is a low-maintenance yet striking addition to any garden. Plant it in borders or naturalised settings for maximum impact. By providing fertile, well-drained soil, regular watering, and proper aftercare, your Digitalis ‘Apricot Beauty’ will reward you with elegant spires of apricot blooms that attract bees and add vertical drama to your garden all summer long.

RHS Details

See more Digitalis from Proctors