White-flowered Foxglove

An ethereally beautiful form of the native foxglove, Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora is a clump-forming biennial (sometimes a short-lived perennial) forming a basal rosette of large, pointed, slightly hairy, mid-green leaves in its first year. In its second summer, tall, sturdy flower spires rise above the foliage, bearing long, soft-white, bell-shaped flowers, 2/6cm long, lightly freckled inside with crimson. These open from May to July, and are very attractive to bees. A lovely, adaptable early summer biennial for a border, where its spires set off grasses and rounded perennials. Cut back flowered stems to encourage more flowers on side-shoots. White-flowered foxglove seeds about; remove any seedlings with a purple tinge on the leaf-stems, as these will not come true.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any reasonably well-drained soil, preferably humus-rich
Position: Partial shade; happy in full sun if soil is kept moist
Season of interest: May to July
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height: 5 (1.5m) Spread: 2 (60cm)