Isoplexis x isabelliana Bella

Isoplexis isabelliana 'Bella' is a new variety of Canary Island foxglove selected in England for its more compact habit. It is ideal for pot cultivation. It is an amazing but tender perennial, evergreen in winter, with a discreetly exotic charm, whose very long summer to autumn flowering somewhat resembles the shape of the foxgloves found in our woodlands. Its tall dark red flower spikes carry tightly packed beautiful flowers in flared tubes, mixing different shades of soft orange, apricot, and rust. This beauty will thrive in well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade, only in our mildest regions.

Isoplexis isabelliana belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. It is very close to Isoplexis canariensis, endemic to the pine woodlands of the Canary Islands where it is endangered. Its hardiness is estimated at -5 to -7°C (23 to 19.4°F) for very short periods. The 'Bella' cultivar, shorter than the wild species, has recently emerged in the United Kingdom thanks to the close collaboration between Hillier Nurseries and the seed company Suttons. It is a fast-growing woody-based perennial that can also be grown as an annual in the open ground in our cold regions. It develops several leafy stems that form a beautiful clump about 30cm (12in) wide. Each stem, dark in colour, is adorned with long and narrow leathery leaves, tapering to a point, in a dark green shade. The flowering extends from July to October-November, without interruption. In the upper part of the 60cm (24in) tall flower spikes, a multitude of horizontal flowers open, with four long pointed petals (two large petals in a horizontal plane and two small lateral petals) fused only at the base. Each flower is a blend of apricot, pale salmon, and orange, with an open throat striped with brown. The flowers are very long-lasting.

Showing perfect performance in very mild climates, Isoplexis isabelliana is an excellent plant for unheated patios and verandas, as accommodating as it is floriferous. It will make an extraordinary rockery or border plant in our mildest regions, paired with viper's bugloss, for example. You can enjoy this delightful 'Bella' variety for a long time in a large pot near the house, to be stored away in winter in cold climates.