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The shop is now closed. The listing here is for information only. Please see the Home Page for more information.
Digitalis parviflora Jacq. | ||||||||||||
Chocolate Soldier, Small-flowered foxglove | ||||||||||||
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A most unusual foxglove, and like most digitalis, usually treated as a biennial, although it can survive as a short-lived perennial. This variety produces flower spikes of densely-packed, chocolate-coloured, tubular flowers about 2cm in length, above basal rosettes of attractive, slightly glossy, dark-green foliage. It will happily self-seed in a favourable location, but is very unlikely to become invasive. All digitalis are said to increase the resistance of nearby plants such as apples, tomatoes and potatoes to disease and to improve storage. Worth experimenting! | ||||||||||||
Sowing and/or growing instructions | ||||||||||||
Indoors: Sow thinly from end February to April onto the surface of moist, good-quality compost, either uncovered or with a very fine sprinkling of fine vermiculite. Keep moist but not waterlogged. Prick out seedlings into individual pots or modules and plant out when large enough. Can also be planted direct from Spring through to Autumn. Cutting back the first flower spikes when they have gone over often promotes the production of more. |