All gardeners know foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea), sometimes called "Lady's Gloves" because of the shape of their flowers. They send up long spikes towards the sky, so laden with little bells they bend their backs. These lovely biennials self-seed abundantly wherever the wind takes them… But who knows their perennial cousins? I must confess I have a soft spot for the latter, particularly for two of them.
In my garden these varieties have returned faithfully for several years, spreading slowly and some are even sterile, which removes any risk of volunteer seedlings. To grow them successfully, plant preferably in partial shade, although they can do perfectly well in sun as long as the soil stays cool. Their flowering will charm you for years and will bring verticality and harmony from late spring. I would add that the evergreen foliage of these foxgloves is spared the voracity of garden slugs and that their flowers are a true cornucopia for pollinators!
So, without further ado, I invite you to meet my favourite perennial foxgloves.
1) Digitalis lutea and 'Glory of Roundway' : slender and graceful
The foxglove ‘Glory of Roundway’ is a wild beauty that attracts my visitors' admiration with its charming apricot-pink bells. Trying to be economical, I had planted only one pot at the time, which I later regretted because it really spreads slowly. So I recommend planting it in groups of at least three if you want a good clump quickly. It is a sterile hybrid obtained from the no less delicate Digitalis lutea with similar inflorescences but soft yellow. The latter will need to be staked because of the slenderness of its tall stems.
Digitalis 'Glory of Roundway' and lutea
Loyal companions for years and fabulous partners for the queen of flowers, these two varieties bring the lightness and elegance I cannot do without in my natural garden. The generous lutea self-seeds a little to my great pleasure. Finally, and not least, it tolerates some lime in the soil. Isn't that wonderful? Undoubtedly, they are my favourites.
2) Digitalis grandiflora ‘Carillon’ : dwarf and compact
Placed at the front of a border, Digitalis grandiflora ‘Carillon’ is absolutely delightful with its fresh butter hue. I love pairing yellow and white, whether among foliage or between flowers and even both. Especially as it is a combination that works wonders in shady corners. Paired with Geum rivale and blue-leaved hostas like ‘Halcyon’, on a carpet of Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’, the combination is divine! This small foxglove, with its stocky habit, requires no support. It is also a perfect candidate for small gardens. So don't miss out!
Digitalis grandiflora 'Carillon'
3) Digitalis mertonensis : an uncommon colour
Digitalis mertonensis offers flowers in a pretty old-rose shade. Plump, they are noticeable from afar. Its stems are robust and need no support. In my garden it is well surrounded: a carpet of Pulmonaria ‘Mrs Moon’ brightens the corner while awaiting its beautiful flowering, which will be accompanied by purple heucheras and hardy geraniums. Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Rosea’ and Aster ‘Ezo Murasaki’ will then take over.
Digitalis mertonensis
4) Digitalis ferruginea : the originality of a giant
Perfectly at ease in sun, the incredible Digitalis ferruginea or rust-coloured foxglove always surprises with its verticality (1.80 m tall — nothing less). Up close, it is the shape of its flowers, with very marked, hairy lower lips, and its uncommon yellow-brown colour that catch the eye. More summer-flowering, it blooms later than other foxgloves, prolonging the pleasure. Planted in drifts, it creates a splendid effect, especially under the low rays of an evening. Accompany it with Echinacea purpurea, Angelica gigas and other summer beauties!
Digitalis ferruginea ‘Gelber Herold’
These latter foxgloves are considered short-lived perennials but they self-seed (if conditions suit them), which allows them to always keep their little place in the garden. However, for this to happen you must not cut the flower spikes as soon as flowering has finished.
One more thing — do not move foxgloves, take my word for it, their taproot does not like it at all! Read between the lines: I've tried (several times even... because once is really not fun) and I regretted it.
Give verticality and originality to your gardens with these beautiful perennial foxgloves — you won't regret it!
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