Foxed

I try to leave Foxglove plants where they self seed, this one is right next to a large Bay tree and I can see it from the kitchen window. Digitalis purpurea is biennial, so when it sets seed the plant usually dies, I'll collect the seed and scatter it in the areas of the garden where I would like it to grow.


Digitalis purpurea is a native British plant, and is perfect for a woodland edge wildflower garden. I have another Foxglove, in the garden – Digitalis lutea; I grew it for our previous garden from seed supplied by the RHS Members Seed Scheme. This is a perennial and also self seeds around the garden, and like the common native Foxglove it likes slightly shady corners. As you can see in the photo, the pale yellow/green flowers are small with turned back petals like pixie hoods. It's a pretty and stylish plant and like Alchemila mollis, it's a useful colour that sets off brighter flowers.


Now let me introduce . . .


This pretty plant grows next to the patch of Digitalis lutea, but the leaves are slightly larger and a darker green in colour. The flowers are larger and blushed with pink – knowledgeable plantsmen give it a second look and ask "what's that?". My guess is that it's a cross between D. purpurea and D. lutea and it's unique to my garden. It's survived about four years including the harsh winter we've just had, it doesn't set seed but the plant is slowly increasing in size. This autumn I think I'll carefully try to propagate another plant by splitting a piece from the side of the original plant. I think I should give it a name . . . any ideas?