The most spectacular foxglove with fabulous coppery apricot and rose-pink colouring and strikingly exotic blooms. A true perennial with an incredibly long flowering season. Height 90cm. Spread 60cm. Flowers May to Sept. Full sun/partial shade. Hardy.
Digitalis x valinii ‘Firebird’ is a remarkable perennial foxglove, prized for its coppery apricot and rose-pink tubular blooms that flower over an impressively long season. This hybrid offers bold, exotic style and thrives in borders, wildlife gardens, and contemporary planting schemes. With blooms from May to September and a strong upright habit, ‘Firebird’ is perfect for attracting pollinators while adding vertical impact to your planting design.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: Plant Digitalis x valinii ‘Firebird’ in spring as soil temperatures begin to rise. This encourages strong root development before the flowering season begins.
Early Autumn: Autumn planting is also ideal, giving the plant time to establish before winter dormancy, ready to flourish the following year.
Site Selection
Sunlight: Choose a spot in full sun or partial shade. Digitalis x valinii ‘Firebird’ performs well with at least 4–6 hours of direct light daily.
Soil: Ensure the soil is well-drained and fertile. While it prefers loamy or sandy soils, Digitalis x valinii ‘Firebird’ will tolerate heavier soils if drainage is improved with organic matter.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Site: Dig a hole twice the width and the same depth as the root ball of your Digitalis x valinii ‘Firebird’.
Soil Enrichment: Mix in compost or well-rotted manure to enhance drainage and fertility.
Positioning: Place the plant so the crown is level with the soil surface, then backfill and firm the soil gently around it.
Watering In: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the roots and eliminate air pockets.
Watering Requirements
Growing Season: Water regularly during dry spells, especially in the first year. Once established, Digitalis x valinii ‘Firebird’ is moderately drought-tolerant.
Dormant Season: Water sparingly during the dormant period, only if soil becomes overly dry.
Feeding
Spring Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring to support lush growth and vibrant flowering.
Mid-Season Boost: A liquid feed in early summer will promote continued blooming throughout the season.
Pruning and Deadheading
Deadheading: Remove faded flower spikes to encourage further blooms and prevent self-seeding. This also maintains a tidy appearance.
Autumn Cutback: In late autumn, once flowering is finished, cut stems back to the base to prepare the plant for winter.
Mulching
Spring Mulch: Apply a mulch of compost or bark chips in spring around the base of Digitalis x valinii ‘Firebird’ to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Winter Protection: A mulch layer also helps insulate roots from harsh winter temperatures.
Supporting the Plant
Staking: While Digitalis x valinii ‘Firebird’ is fairly self-supporting, taller stems may benefit from discreet staking in windy sites.
Final Tips
Digitalis x valinii ‘Firebird’ is a low-maintenance, high-impact perennial perfect for sunny to lightly shaded borders. With its exotic colouring, long flowering season, and attraction to bees, this plant is a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly and ornamental gardens alike. Ensure good drainage, feed in moderation, and cut back after flowering to keep your Digitalis healthy and floriferous.
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