Sturdy upright stems of beautiful rich purple trumpets, with delicate spotted throats produced from May to July. A short lived perennial, self seeds. Height 50cm. Spread 40cm. Full sun/partial shade. Attracts bees. Hardy.
Digitalis purpurea ‘Dalmatian Purple’ is a short-lived perennial foxglove known for its sturdy upright stems and striking rich purple trumpets. Each flower has delicate spotted throats and blooms from May to July. Growing to 50cm tall with a 40cm spread, this hardy plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and attracts bees, making it an excellent choice for borders, cottage gardens, and pollinator-friendly spaces.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: The ideal time to plant Digitalis purpurea ‘Dalmatian Purple’ is in spring when the soil starts to warm. This allows the roots to establish firmly before the blooming season, resulting in healthy and vigorous growth.
Autumn: You can also plant your Digitalis in early autumn. This gives the plant time to settle in before dormancy, encouraging stronger growth the following season.
Site Selection
Sunlight: Digitalis thrives in full sun to partial shade. Choose a spot that receives at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
Soil: Well-drained soil is essential for Digitalis purpurea ‘Dalmatian Purple’. Avoid waterlogged areas to prevent root rot. Mixing in compost or organic matter will improve fertility and drainage.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width and equal in depth to the root ball to allow roots to spread comfortably.
Soil Preparation: Enrich the planting hole with compost or organic matter to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
Planting: Place the plant into the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill gently, firming the soil to remove air pockets.
Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and help roots establish. Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Requirements
Growing Season: Water your Digitalis during dry spells, 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 Digitalis purpurea ‘Dalmatian Purple’ a strong start.
Mid-Summer: A light feeding can encourage continued flowering and maintain the plant’s vigour throughout the blooming season.
Pruning
Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to prolong blooming and maintain a tidy appearance.
Autumn Pruning: After flowering ends, cut back to ground level to prepare it for dormancy and encourage healthy regrowth.
Mulching
Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of Digitalis purpurea ‘Dalmatian Purple’ to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Winter: Mulch helps protect the roots from cold and frost damage during the colder months.
Supporting the Plant
Staking: Digitalis purpurea ‘Dalmatian Purple’ has sturdy stems and usually does not require staking. In exposed areas, consider staking to prevent wind damage.
Final Tips
Digitalis purpurea ‘Dalmatian Purple’ is a low-maintenance perennial that adds bold colour to any garden. By planting it in full sun or partial shade with well-drained soil, and following this care routine, this Digitalis will reward you with stunning blooms from late spring to early summer. It’s an excellent choice for pollinator-friendly gardens and cottage-style borders.
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