Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora
£9.95
Upright stems of creamy-white trumpets with delicately spotted throats from April to June. A short lived perennial, self seeds. Height 1.5m. Spread 60cm. Full sun/partial shade. Attracts bees.
Description
Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora is a striking short-lived perennial admired for its tall spires of creamy-white trumpets with delicately spotted throats. A natural self-seeder, it provides reliable beauty year after year and attracts pollinators such as bees. Follow this detailed guide to ensure your Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora thrives in your garden.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
- Spring: Plant Digitalis in spring when the soil is beginning to warm. This timing allows the roots to settle before the first flush of flowers.
- Autumn: Early autumn planting also works well, giving the plant time to establish before entering dormancy and promoting strong growth the following season.
Site Selection
- Sunlight: Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora flourishes in full sun to partial shade. A position that provides bright light with some dappled shade is ideal for extending the flowering season.
- Soil: Plant in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Enrich the ground with compost or organic matter to boost fertility and structure, helping the plant establish quickly.
Planting Instructions
- Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and equal in depth. This gives the roots of Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora space to spread.
- Soil Preparation: Mix compost into the soil to improve drainage and fertility. This step encourages vigorous growth and strong flower spikes.
- Planting: Position the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Gently backfill and firm the soil around the base.
- Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets, ensuring strong root establishment.
Watering Requirements
- Growing Season: Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Digitalis benefits from regular watering during dry periods.
- Dormant Season: Reduce watering in dormancy, only providing moisture when the soil becomes very dry.
Feeding
- Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser to encourage strong root growth and early foliage. This ensures your Digitalis has the energy to produce tall, flowering stems.
- Mid-Summer: A second light feed can help prolong flowering and maintain healthy foliage.
Pruning
- Deadheading: Remove faded flower spikes to encourage side shoots and potentially extend the flowering season.
- End of Season: Allow some seedheads to mature if you wish Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora to self-seed naturally, ensuring future displays.
Mulching
- Spring: Apply a generous mulch of compost or bark chips around the base of Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Winter: Mulching in winter protects the crown and roots, ensuring resilience for the next season.
Supporting the Plant
- Staking: Flower spikes of Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora can reach impressive heights. Stake taller stems in exposed areas to prevent wind damage and keep the display upright.
Final Tips
Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora is a low-maintenance yet highly rewarding perennial that brings elegance and charm to borders, wildlife gardens, and cottage-style plantings. By planting in moist but well-drained soil, choosing a sunny to partially shaded site, and following these aftercare steps, you’ll enjoy a dazzling display of creamy-white blooms that return year after year.
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