Foxgloves are absolutely magical plants, conjuring images of fairies in an enchanted garden. They are a woodland edge plant, and like semi-sun/part shade. They are easily propagated from seed, and also self seed readily. They have a two year life cycle, and so should be sown two years in a row to ensure flowering each year. The seeds are tiny, so care needs to be taken when sowing. Use a finger to rub them into the surface of a seed raising mix- they germinate with light.

The broad leaves are excellent weed-suppressors and they are an attractive evergreen ground cover in between established plants or shrubs. In mid to late spring, the leaves form a whorl from which a tall spire of flowers grows. The flower spikes can get up to around 1m tall, and (if you’re lucky) you can cut them and fertilise for a second show if you get in before the flowers start to set seed. They look great planted in clumps or rows as a backdrop for shorter flowers.

There are a few negatives with foxgloves: they can be invasive, and are poisonous- so ensure pets and children don’t eat them! They can also irritate the skin, so always use gloves when handling. There is a colour range from white through to a dark mauve, but if they naturalise they tend back to a more neutral pink coloured flower. Definitely a statement plant, they really draw the eye to the summer flower garden!