PerennialsDigitalis purpurea
Foxglove
Foxglove is an imposing plant with tall flower spikes packed with thimble-shaped blooms in purple, pink, or white. The flowers appear from June to July on one-sided spires reaching up to one and a half metres. The plant is biennial but self-sows reliably, returning each summer. Note: all parts are poisonous.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Partial shade
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 100–150 cm
- Spread
- 40–60 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 4–8
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- purple, pink, white
- Wildlife value
- bees, bumblebees
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in partial shade in moist, humus-rich soil. The plant tolerates full sun if the soil stays sufficiently moist. Water regularly during dry periods. Allow self-seeding for continuity — remove unwanted seedlings in spring.
Pruning tips
Leave the flower stem after blooming until seeds ripen if you want self-sowing. Otherwise, remove the stem after flowering. Clear dead leaf rosettes in autumn. Wear gloves when handling this plant.
Good companions
PerennialsHosta sieboldiana
Hosta
Hosta is the quintessential shade plant, valued for its large, blue-green, ribbed leaves. Light purple or white bell-shaped flowers appear on tall stems in July and August. Over the years the plant forms substantial clumps that give a shaded border a lush character.
PerennialsCampanula persicifolia
Peach-leaved Bellflower
The peach-leaved bellflower is a graceful perennial with slender stems bearing open, bell-shaped flowers in blue or white. Blooming in June and July, the plant self-seeds modestly, gradually drifting through the border. The narrow, glossy foliage forms compact rosettes at the base.
PerennialsAlchemilla mollis
Lady's Mantle
Lady's Mantle is a reliable perennial treasured for its beautiful, scalloped leaves that catch dewdrops like tiny pearls. From June to July, clouds of delicate yellow-green flowers appear, making excellent cut flowers. The plant forms attractive, rounded clumps and works beautifully as edging.