Digitalis, commonly known as Foxglove, is a stunning perennial that adds vertical interest to gardens with its tall spikes of tubular flowers. Follow this comprehensive planting guide to ensure the successful cultivation of your Digitalis plants:

 

Site Selection

Sunlight Requirements: Plant Digitalis in a location that receives partial to full sunlight. While it can tolerate some shade, it generally thrives in at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Soil Conditions: Choose well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Digitalis prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0.

 

Planting Time

Optimal Timing: Plant Digitalis in late spring or early summer. This allows the plants to establish before the heat of summer and ensures a robust blooming period.

 

Planting Process

Prepare the Soil: Work the soil to a depth of 12 inches, incorporating compost or well-rotted manure for added fertility.

Planting Depth: Plant Digitalis at the same depth they were growing in the nursery container. Ensure the crown is at the soil surface.

Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper airflow and prevent diseases.

 

Watering

Moderate Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage.

 

Mulching

Organic Mulch: Apply a 2-inch layer of organic mulch around the plants. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

 

Fertilisation

Light Feeding: Digitalis is not heavy feeders. Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertiliser in spring when new growth appears. Avoid excessive fertilisation, which can lead to leggy growth.

 

Support

Staking: Digitalis may benefit from staking, especially in windy conditions or if the plant becomes top-heavy. Install stakes at planting time or when the plants are about 12 inches tall.

 

Pruning

Deadheading: Remove spent flower spikes regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Trim back the entire plant after the first flush of flowers to promote a bushier habit.

 

Pest and Disease Management

Aphid Control: Monitor for aphids, especially on new growth. Use insecticidal soap or a strong stream of water to control infestations.

Good Air Circulation: Ensure proper spacing between plants to promote good air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

 

Winter Care

Mulching: Mulch lightly around the plants in late Autumn to provide some protection during winter.

 

Monitoring and Adjustment

Visual Inspection: Regularly inspect your Digitalis for any signs of stress, pests, or diseases. Adjust watering and care practices based on your observations.

 

Enjoy the Blooms:

Appreciate the Height: Digitalis adds vertical interest to the garden. Position them towards the back of borders for an impressive display.

 

By following this planting guide, you’ll establish a beautiful display of Digitalis in your garden. Adapt care practices based on your specific growing conditions and enjoy the tall, elegant spikes of flowers that Digitalis brings to your landscape.

Proper aftercare is crucial to ensure their continued health and stunning blooms. Follow this comprehensive aftercare guide for your Digitalis plants:

 

Watering

Regular Moisture: Digitalis prefers consistently moist soil. Water the plants regularly, especially during dry periods. Ensure that the soil remains evenly moist but avoid waterlogged conditions.

 

Mulching

Mulch Maintenance: Maintain a 2-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Replenish mulch as needed.

 

Fertilisation

Balanced Fertiliser: Continue feeding Digitalis with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Follow package instructions for application rates. Avoid excessive fertilisation.

 

Support

Stake Inspection: Monitor the stakes regularly, especially for taller varieties. Adjust and secure stems with soft ties to prevent damage from strong winds.

 

Pruning

Deadheading: Remove spent flower spikes regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Trim back the entire plant after the first flush of flowers for reblooming.

 

Pest and Disease Management

Aphid Control: Keep an eye out for aphids, especially on new growth. Use insecticidal soap or a strong stream of water to control infestations.

Good Air Circulation: Ensure proper spacing between plants to promote good air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

 

Winter Care

Mulching: Mulch lightly around the plants in late Autumn to provide some protection during winter. Avoid heavy mulching directly on the crown.

 

Division

Periodic Division: Every 3-4 years, consider dividing crowded clumps in early spring to rejuvenate the plants.

 

Monitoring and Adjustment

Visual Inspection: Regularly inspect your Digitalis for any signs of stress, pests, or diseases. Adjust watering and care practices based on your observations.

 

Disease Prevention

Preventative Measures: Apply fungicides preventatively to reduce the risk of diseases like powdery mildew. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.

 

Adaptation

Recognise Plant Needs: Digitalis may exhibit varying growth habits based on specific conditions. Adapt care practices accordingly and be prepared to address any adverse effects.

 

Enjoy the Blooms

Appreciate the Beauty: Take time to appreciate the tall spikes of tubular flowers and the vertical interest that Digitalis adds to your garden.

 

By following this aftercare guide, you’ll ensure that your Digitalis plants remain healthy, vibrant, and continue to grace your garden with their stunning blooms. Adapt these recommendations based on your specific growing conditions and continue to enjoy the unique charm of Digitalis in your landscape.

While we are committed to providing healthy specimens, it’s important to acknowledge that certain factors, particularly extreme weather conditions, are beyond our control. Events such as severe frost, prolonged heatwaves, high winds, or exceptionally heavy rainfall can impact the health of your Digitalis.

 

Our Advice

Weather Monitoring: Stay vigilant and regularly monitor local weather forecasts, especially during periods of extreme weather.

Protective Measures: Consider implementing protective measures during extreme conditions, such as providing temporary shading during intense heat or covering plants during unexpected frost.

Aftermath Assessment: Following extreme weather events, assess the condition of your Digitalis. If damage occurs, follow appropriate care steps, including pruning damaged parts and adjusting watering routines.

 

Limitations

Natural Variables: Digitalis, like any living organism, is influenced by natural variables. Extreme weather events are inherent risks that may impact plant health despite best care practices.

No Guarantee: Due to the unpredictable nature of extreme weather, we cannot guarantee the outcome of your Digitalis’s response to such conditions. Plants may exhibit stress or damage beyond our control.

 

Customer Responsibility

Preventive Measures: We encourage you to take proactive measures based on weather forecasts and to implement protective strategies to minimise potential harm during extreme weather.

Adaptation: Recognise that Digitalis, while resilient, may respond differently to various weather conditions. Adapt care practices accordingly and be prepared to address any adverse effects.

 

Contact Us

If you have specific concerns or questions related to extreme weather impacts on your Digitalis plants, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to offer guidance and support within the scope of our expertise.

 

Email: info@proctorsnursery.co.uk

 

Note: This disclaimer serves to acknowledge the unpredictability of extreme weather events and the associated risks to Digitalis plants. Your understanding, proactive care, and prompt communication are key to ensuring the well-being of your garden.