Digitalis valinii Illumination Raspberry - Foxglove

The Digiplexis 'Illumination Raspberry' is a very bright and bold pink version of a fabulous hybrid created in England in 2006, by the seed merchant Thompson and Morgan. Although it resembles a foxglove with its immense flowering stems, it flowers continuously and has luxuriant foliage, much more long-lasting and vigorous. Its horizontal and wide-open flowers come in in shades of fuchsia and raspberry-pink, with a lighter salmon-pink throat. This very beautiful new-comer, resulting from the combination of the purple woodland foxglove and the shrubby foxglove from the Canary Islands (Isoplexis), is a truly magnificent half-hardy perennial. This marvel thrives in a moist, fertile and well-drained soil, in partial shade, in the garden or in a large pot on the terrace.

The Digiplexis 'Illumination Raspberry' is a plant from the Scrophulariaceae family, hardier than Isoplexis canariensis, more vigorous, floriferous and more colourful than a purple foxglove. The mixing of these two species was made possible by their genetic proximity. It is a very fast-growing perennial plant that can also be grown as an annual. It develops a main rosette with a diameter of 30 to 40 cm (11.8 - 15.7 in), with lanceolate leaves, thinner than those of other digiplexis. Thick and slightly hairy, they are also bluer, very shiny, and evergreen. Other rosettes develop on the periphery of the plant. Smaller leaves also adorn the purplish flower stem. The flowering period extends from May-June to October-November, without interruption. Hollow but strong stems emerge from the rosette to carry a wide and dense flower spike, measuring 80 cm (31.5 in) or even 1.20 m (3.9 ft) in height, composed of a multitude of horizontal, wide-open flowers, with four petals (two large horizontal petals and two small lateral petals) fused at the base. Each flower is a shade of bright pink, revealing a lighter throat, slightly speckled with orange and edged with bright orange-pink. The flowers are pollen and nectar-rich. This sterile variety does not produce fruits, which allows it to flower endlessly.

This Digiplexis, thriving in mild and rather cool climates, is a true border plant that tolerates competition from other roots quite well. In cooler climates, it should be planted in a sunny position, while in warmer climates, it prefers partial shade to preserve its colours. Plant it near the house, or in the line of sight from a window so as not to miss out on its wonderful display. It can be planted at the base of hedges or in shrub beds, where it will flower abundantly from spring to autumn. It combines well with the blue bells of campanulas or the strange Clematis 'New Love', the flowers of columbines, centaureas, or the small mauve or white stars of asters in autumn. This star plant has a very exotic charm, so you will be able to enjoy its flowers for a long time in a large pot near the house. To be stored over winter in cold climates.

Note: Please be aware that our young plug plants are professional products intended for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, transplant and store them under cover (conservatory, greenhouse, cold frame...) at a temperature above 14°C for a few weeks before planting outdoors once the risk of frost has passed.