Foxglove 'Dalmatian'

Foxgloves thrive and perform best when planted in dappled shade with rich soil conditions, due to their woodland origins.

To plant:

• If planting multiple Foxgloves at one time, space each young plant roughly 30-35cm apart. This allows plenty of room for the leaves to spread.
• Knock the plant out from its container, then take a look at the roots, if they are circling around the compost, it is best to tease them out. To do this, push your fingers into the rootball along the bottom edge and pull. Do this in a couple of places. This should encourage the roots to spread into the surrounding soil.
• Next use a trowel or spade to create a hole just deep and wide enough to set in the rootball.
• When planting, set the crown slightly above the soil level then firm back around the soil, using your hand for small clumps and your heel for larger areas.
• Water in well to settle the soil and prevent drying out.

Ongoing care:

• Young Foxgloves should be watered regularly across the first few months. This will help the roots to spread out.
• Once established, those growing in rich soil should only need watering during dry summer spells. If you notice the leaves are starting to wilt, this is a sign to water!
• Those in planters will need regular watering through summer, regardless of age. Always aim to keep the surface compost moist, but not waterlogged.
• When in a poorer quality of soil, apply a balanced granular fertiliser each year, without exceeding packet guidance.

To pruning:

• Once flowering concludes, cut back old stems from the base. This will avoid energy from being wasted on seed production.
• Tidy up the plant in early spring by pruning any foliage damaged by winter conditions. Yellowing leaves and old seedheads can be removed at the base.