Digitalis ‘Foxlight Ruby Glow’

Description

Digitalis ‘Foxlight Ruby Glow’ is a compact, stunning foxglove featuring bold deep ruby flowers with a peach-orange throat speckled with pink. Growing to 60cm tall with a 40cm spread, it flowers from June to August. Perfect for full sun or partial shade, this hardy perennial attracts bees and adds vibrant colour to borders, beds, and containers.

PLANTING AND AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The optimal time to plant Digitalis ‘Foxlight Ruby Glow’ is in spring when the soil begins to warm. This allows roots to establish firmly before the blooming season, ensuring a healthy start.
• Autumn: You can also plant Digitalis in early autumn. This gives the plant time to settle in before dormancy, encouraging stronger growth the following year.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Digitalis thrives in full sun to partial shade. Choose a spot with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for maximum flower production.
• Soil: Ensure well-drained soil for Digitalis ‘Foxlight Ruby Glow’. It does not tolerate waterlogged conditions, so amend the soil with compost or organic matter to enhance drainage and fertility.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width and equal depth of the root ball to allow roots to spread comfortably.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or organic matter into the soil. Digitalis ‘Foxlight Ruby Glow’ benefits from nutrient-rich soil, promoting vigorous growth and vibrant blooms.
3. Planting: Place the plant into the hole with the top of the root ball level with the soil surface. Backfill gently, firming the soil to remove air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water Digitalis ‘Foxlight Ruby Glow’ thoroughly to settle the soil and encourage root establishment. Ensure the area drains well to prevent waterlogging.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Digitalis is moderately drought-tolerant. Water during dry periods, allowing the soil to dry slightly between sessions. Avoid overwatering to prevent root issues.
• 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 give your Digitalis a strong start, supporting healthy growth and flowers.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer encourages continued flowering and maintains plant vigour.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to prolong the blooming period and encourage new flower production .
• Autumn Pruning: After flowering ends, cut back to ground level to prepare for dormancy and promote healthier growth the following season.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply mulch around the base of the plant to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate temperature. Use bark chips or compost for best results.
• Winter: Mulching during winter protects the roots from cold and prevents frost heaving, helping Digitalis ‘Foxlight Ruby Glow’ survive until the next growing season.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Digitalis ‘Foxlight Ruby Glow’ is compact with sturdy stems, so staking is generally unnecessary. In exposed, windy areas, consider staking to prevent stem damage.

Final Tips

Digitalis ‘Foxlight Ruby Glow’ is a low-maintenance perennial that brings bold, vivid colour to gardens, containers, and borders. By planting it in full sun or partial shade with well-drained soil, and following this care routine, this Digitalis will reward you with striking blooms from June to August while attracting bees.

 

RHS Details

See more Digitalis from Proctors