Digitalis lanata - Foxglove

Digitalis lanata is a short-lived perennial plant with densely packed flower stalks of pale cream to tawny tubular flowers arranged in clusters between June and August. The veined petals are brown on the inside with a light cream lip. Its evergreen leaves are oblong, obtuse, ciliate, and pubescent on the veins on the underside.

Although the Woolly Foxglove is a woodland plant, it thrives just as well in sunny to semi-shady borders, as long as the exposure to the sun is not too intense.  Plant in a humus-rich, moist to dry, well-draining soil including limestone. Its rigid and upright habit is irreplaceable in scenes where it can contrast against and complement rounder plants. It reaches a height of 80 to 100 cm (32 to 39in) when in bloom.

Like all foxgloves, it is highly toxic if ingested, but not if touched. It contains an alkaloid, digitalin, still used today for the treatment of heart diseases.

Digitalis lanata can recreate a woodland atmosphere when combined with grasses, ferns, and Astrantias. In the background of a border, their shallow root system allows them to be placed behind roses or perennials such as Italian Bugloss, Silver Candles, or Asters. Its delicate and light appearance makes it suitable for natural scenes in semi-shade.