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Purple foxglove flowers on a tall spike in partial shadePerennials

Digitalis purpurea

Foxglove

foxgloveshade plantcottage gardentall plantbiennial

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.

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Before
After

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

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

Large blue-green hosta leaves in a shaded gardenPerennials

Hosta 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.

Full shadeMedium50–90 cm
Blue bellflowers on slender stems in a partially shaded borderPerennials

Campanula 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.

Partial shadeMedium50–90 cm
Lady's Mantle with yellow-green flowers and dewdrops on scalloped leavesPerennials

Alchemilla 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.

Partial shadeMedium30–50 cm