Plants by mail order since 1984, over 4100 plants online today!
6th January 2021. In line with the current government lockdown rules, Burncoose Nurseries is closed to visitors. However at present we are able to offer click and collect to local customers. This will be weekdays only, not weekends.
Mail order is continuing as normal. However please allow extra time for the couriers to deliver, once despatched from us. Sorry to say that some depots are experiencing high volumes of traffic, also staff shortages.
DIGITALIS
Commonly known as Foxglove
All JUN-JUL
Genus of 25 species of biennials, perennials and shrubs from Europe, the Canary Islands and Madeira, northwestern Africa and central Asia, generally found in open woodland.
D. purpurea is the common and well-loved foxglove though etymologically probably refers to fairy bells rather than Reynard's mittens.
The medical use for this dangerous plant was discovered in 1785 by William Withering. Effects were recognised but not understood.
Further Reading....
- Details
- Mature Size
- Tips and Advice
- Goes Well With
- Planting Combinations
- Other Suggestions
- See Also...
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White - speckled white
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Height - 70cm (28in)
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Spread - 60cm (24in)
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Herbaceous - Early in the year, typically January till end of March, herbaceous plants might be supplied in 9cm pots to ensure timely despatch. - ovate to lance-shaped, usually toothed, silver felted leaves (similar to lamb's ears - stachys) 10-25cm (4-10in) long.
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Hardy - cold winter - Hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters. May not withstand open/exposed sites or central/northern locations. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -15°C (5°F)
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Full sun
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Partial shade
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Caution, toxic if eaten - Do not eat these plants.
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Additional Features - Good to know - - wildlife plant - bees, caterpillars of moths and butterflies. Will re-grow from seed becoming variable
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Pests & Diseases - leaf spot, powdery mildew
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Place of origin - Europe
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Flower Shape - Spikes -
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Tubular - tubular-bell-shaped to 5cm (2in) long
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Hardiness - Fully hardy -
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Seasonal Interest - Summer -
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Soil Conditions - Tolerates all - - except very wet or dry. Humus-rich
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Wildlife - Bee friendly -
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Rabbit Resistant
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Digitalis - Growing Guide
70cm (28in)
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60cm (24in) |

DIGITALIS grandiflora
Yellow foxglove
Available from £12.50

DIGITALIS purpurea albiflora
Common foxglove, Fairy thimbles, Dead men's bells
Available from £12.50

SALVIA argentea
Silver sage
Available from £12.50

ANEMONE x hybrida 'Honorine Jobert'
Japanese anemone, Japanese windflower
Available from £13.00
Buy Varieties of DIGITALIS

DIGITALIS 'Goldcrest' >
Commonly known as: Foxglove.
Soft orange-yellow flowers with pinkish-red overtones. Long flowering period

DIGITALIS purpurea albiflora >
Commonly known as: Common foxglove, Dead men's bells, Fairy thimbles.
Pure white

DIGITALIS purpurea Excelsior hybrids >
Commonly known as: Foxglove.
Pastel shades of the cultivated foxglove
DIGITALIS purpurea 'Snow Thimble' >
Commonly known as: Foxglove.
Pure white flowers with pale speckles


DIGITALIS purpurea 'Sutton's Apricot' >
Commonly known as: Foxglove.
An unusual foxglove with apricot-pink flowers
Useful extras...

Harrod Horticulture Plant Supports - Plant & Border Supports
Single stem loop support
These protect the fragile single stem flowers of plants which can easily suffer from wind damage. Supplied in packs of 6.
2 options from £12.95

Harrod Horticulture Plant Supports - Plant & Border Supports
Y-stakes
These Y-stakes are perfect for odd shaped herbaceous plants we all have in our border which need supporting
Only £26.95