Digitalis purpurea ‘Pollux White’

Description

Digitalis purpurea ‘Pollux White’ is a short-lived perennial producing upright stems of bright-white trumpet flowers with a burgundy-purple speckled throat from May to July. Reaching 50cm in height and spreading 40cm, this self-seeding foxglove attracts bees and thrives in full sun to partial shade.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The ideal time to plant Digitalis purpurea ‘Pollux White’ is in spring when the soil begins to warm. This helps roots establish firmly, ensuring robust growth and abundant flowering.
• Autumn: Planting in early autumn allows time to settle before dormancy, promoting stronger growth the following season.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Digitalis purpurea ‘Pollux White’ thrives in full sun to partial shade. Select a location that receives at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight for optimum flower production.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is essential for Digitalis. Avoid waterlogged conditions and improve fertility by mixing in compost or organic matter.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width and the same depth as the root ball to allow the roots to spread comfortably.
2. Soil Preparation: Incorporate compost or organic matter into the soil to enhance nutrient content and drainage.
3. Planting: Position your Digitalis in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill gently, firming to remove air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water 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, letting the soil dry slightly between sessions. Avoid overwatering.
• Dormant Season: Water sparingly, only if the soil becomes excessively dry. Digitalis requires minimal moisture during dormancy.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser to give Digitalis purpurea ‘Pollux White’ a strong start to the growing season, supporting healthy growth and flowering.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer can prolong flowering and maintain vigour throughout the bloom period.

Pruning and Deadheading

• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to prolong the bloom period and encourage self-seeding.
• Autumn Pruning: After flowering, cut back to ground level to prepare the plant for dormancy and encourage stronger growth the next season.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as bark chips or compost, around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Winter: Mulching helps protect roots from cold temperatures and prevents frost heaving, ensuring Digitalis purpurea ‘Pollux White’ survives to flower again.

Supporting the Plant

Digitalis purpurea ‘Pollux White’ has upright stems and generally does not require staking. In particularly exposed locations, consider light staking to prevent wind damage.

Final Tips

Digitalis purpurea ‘Pollux White’ is an easy-care perennial that adds striking white blooms with a speckled throat to any garden. Plant it in full sun or partial shade with well-drained soil, and follow this care routine to enjoy vibrant flowers from May to July. Encourage natural self-seeding to enjoy new plants year after year.