Digitalis fontanesii
straw foxglove
An upright, herbaceous perennial to 60cm with narrowly oval, bright green, glossy leaves. Spires of soft yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers are produced in early to midsummer
Other common names
small yellow foxglove
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- TOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Digitalis can be biennials or usually short-lived perennials forming a rosette of simple leaves with bell-shaped flowers in slender, erect, usually one-sided racemes
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- C Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Will grow in almost any soil or situation except very wet or very dry; ideal site is a humus-rich, alkaline soil in partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in late spring or propagate by division in early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back main flower spike as it fades to encourage the growth of flowering side shoots
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids and leaf and bud eelworm
Diseases
May be susceptible to leaf spot and powdery mildews
Get involved
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