Digitalis parviflora ‘Milk Chocolate’
£6.45
Foxglove. A short-lived perennial with softly hairy, dark green leaves. Dense spikes of orange-brown flowers each with a purple-brown lip. Height 60cm. Spread 30cm. Flowers April to June. Full sun/partial shade. Hardy.
Description
Digitalis parviflora ‘Milk Chocolate’ is a striking short-lived perennial foxglove with softly hairy, dark green leaves and dense spikes of rich orange-brown flowers, each with a purple-brown lip. Growing to a height of around 60cm with a spread of 30cm, this compact plant flowers from April to June. Hardy and easy to grow, it thrives in full sun or partial shade and is ideal for mixed borders and wildlife-friendly gardens
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
- Spring: The best time to plant Digitalis parviflora ‘Milk Chocolate’ is in spring when the soil begins to warm. This allows roots to establish before flowering, ensuring a vigorous plant.
- Autumn: Early autumn planting helps your Digitalis settle before dormancy, encouraging stronger growth the following season.
Site Selection
- Sunlight: Digitalis parviflora ‘Milk Chocolate’ grows best in full sun to partial shade. Choose a spot with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for strong flower spikes.
- Soil: This foxglove prefers well-drained soil and will not tolerate waterlogging. Improve the soil with compost or organic matter for best results.
Planting Instructions
- Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and equal depth, giving the roots of Digitalis parviflora ‘Milk Chocolate’ space to spread.
- Soil Preparation: Incorporate organic matter into the soil to enhance nutrients and drainage.
- Planting: Position the plant with the root ball level to the soil surface, backfill carefully, and firm the soil to remove air pockets.
- Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly to settle the soil and encourage root establishment, ensuring good drainage.
Watering Requirements
- Growing Season: Once established, Digitalis needs watering only in dry spells. Allow the soil to dry slightly between watering to avoid root rot.
- Dormant Season: Reduce watering to a minimum. Only water if the soil becomes very dry, as the plant needs little moisture when dormant.
Feeding
- Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser at the start of the season to support healthy new growth and flower production.
- Mid-Summer: A light feed in mid-summer helps Digitalis parviflora ‘Milk Chocolate’ maintain vigour through the flowering period.
Pruning
- Deadheading: Remove faded blooms regularly to extend the flowering season and keep the plant neat.
- Autumn Pruning: Once flowering is finished, cut your Digitalis back to ground level to prepare for dormancy.
Mulching
- Spring: Add a layer of mulch around the base in spring to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate temperature.
- Winter: Mulching also protects the roots from frost and reduces soil disturbance.
Supporting the Plant
- Staking: While generally sturdy, taller flower spikes of Digitalis parviflora ‘Milk Chocolate’ may benefit from staking in exposed areas.
Final Tips
Digitalis parviflora ‘Milk Chocolate’ is an eye-catching perennial that brings warmth and texture to borders. By planting in well-drained soil, providing sunlight, and following this care guide, you’ll enjoy months of distinctive blooms that add charm to any garden setting.
Additional information
Pot Size | |
---|---|
Plant Botanical Type | Perennial (herbaceous) |
Flower Colour | Orange, Brown |
Leaf Colour | Green |
Varigated Leaf | No |
Scent | No |
Height | 0.6m |
Spread | 0.3m |
Blooms/foliage interest in | Spring, Summer |
Evergreen | No |
Hardiness | mild winter to – 5C |
Container | Borders and Containers |
Sun/shade | Full sun, Partial Shade |
Soil Type | Loam (normal) |
Soil PH | Neutral |
Drainage | Well drained soil |
Hazerdous | No |
Insect Attraction | Bees |
Christopher V (verified owner) –
Great plant fully developed and ready for the garden .