White Foxglove Seeds - Digitalis purpurea var. alba

Digitalis purpurea var. alba is the white-flowered version of the wild foxglove. It displays elegant spikes of pure white tubular flowers above a rosette of deep green leaves. Superb in light shade and woodland gardens in humus-rich, well-drained soils.

Digitalis purpurea, commonly known as Foxglove, is herbaceous biennial plant (perennial if the flower spikes are pruned before seeding). It belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family. During the first year, it forms a large 45 cm rosette of coarse dark green leaves, with toothed margins and prominent veins. They are covered in fine, greyish white hairs that give the leaves a soft, woolly appearance. During its second year, in May-June, up to 5 hollow, sturdy stems emerge from the rosette. 'Alba' grows to about 1.50 m tall, carrying dense flower spikes made up of numerous pure white, downward-facing tubular flowers. They occasionally feature discreet brown spots on the inside. The flowers bloom from the base of the spike upwards, attracting honey bees and bumblebees by the dozen.

Foxgloves enjoy dappled sunlight to part-shade and cool, humus-rich soils. They pair well with roses or single-flowered perennials such as columbines, cornflowers, Astrantias or thalictrum. Try growing them in large containers on the patio to make the most of the long-lasting blooms! Foxgloves also fit naturally into woodland gardens alongside perennial geraniums, heucheras and ferns. The tall flower spikes are suitable for cutting and look fabulous in large arrangements.

Digitalis purpurea seeds are best left to experienced, seasoned gardeners as they are extremely small, like fine dust.