Digitalis purpurea ‘Pollux Pink’

Description

Digitalis purpurea ‘Pollux Pink’ is an elegant and eye-catching foxglove variety, known for its soft-pink trumpet-shaped flowers with deep rose-speckled throats. Flowering from May to July, this compact cultivar reaches around 50cm in height, making it ideal for borders, wildlife-friendly gardens, and cottage-style planting schemes. While it is a short-lived perennial, it readily self-seeds, ensuring beautiful blooms year after year. Loved by bees and hardy in most conditions, Digitalis purpurea ‘Pollux Pink’ brings charm and pollinator interest to any outdoor space.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The best time to plant Digitalis purpurea ‘Pollux Pink’ is in spring, when the soil is warming up. This gives the plant a strong start and plenty of time to establish before the growing season.
• Autumn: Alternatively, plant in early autumn. This allows your Digitalis to settle into the soil before winter dormancy, encouraging healthy root growth for the next season.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Digitalis purpurea ‘Pollux Pink’ thrives in full sun to partial shade. A location with dappled sunlight or morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal for supporting upright growth and lush blooms.
• Soil: Choose a well-drained but moist soil rich in organic matter. Digitalis prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils. Adding compost at planting time improves structure and fertility.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width and equal depth of the root ball to provide room for the roots to spread.
2. Soil Preparation: Enrich the planting area with well-rotted compost or organic matter. This helps Digitalis purpurea ‘Pollux Pink’ get the nutrients it needs for strong early growth.
3. Planting: Place the plant in the hole with the top of the root ball level with the soil surface. Backfill and gently firm the soil.
4. Watering In: Water well after planting to help settle the soil around the roots. Maintain even moisture during establishment.

Watering Requirements

• Digitalis enjoys consistently moist, well-drained soil. Water during dry spells, especially in early growth and blooming phases. Avoid waterlogging, as this can cause root problems.
• Reduce watering in autumn as the plant begins to go dormant.

Feeding

• In spring, apply a slow-release balanced fertiliser to boost early season growth.
• A second, lighter feeding in early summer helps sustain flower production and leaf health as Digitalis purpurea ‘Pollux Pink’ begins to bloom.

Pruning

• Deadhead fading flowers to extend blooming and prevent excessive self-seeding if not desired.
• After flowering finishes in mid to late summer, you can cut back the spent flowering spikes to encourage tidy regrowth.

Mulching

• Apply mulch in early spring around the base of your Digitalis to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate temperature.
• Re-apply mulch in late autumn to protect roots over winter and help seeds germinate naturally if you wish the plant to self-seed.

Supporting the Plant

• Digitalis purpurea ‘Pollux Pink’ usually grows sturdy stems up to 50cm tall, but staking may be helpful in exposed or windy sites to prevent the tall stems from flopping, especially during bloom time.

Final Tips

Digitalis purpurea ‘Pollux Pink’ is a short-lived perennial but will self-seed if conditions are right, offering years of beautiful blooms with little effort. Ideal for cottage-style borders, pollinator gardens, or naturalised areas, Digitalis purpurea ‘Pollux Pink’ brings elegance with its trumpet-shaped pink flowers and bee-friendly nature. By planting your Digitalis in the right spot and following these care steps, you’ll enjoy a graceful and long-lasting garden display.