Centre Commons Perennials - Digitalis x purpurea 'Candy Mountain'

P E R E N N I A L S 2 0 0 8

Digitalis x purpurea ‘Candy Mountain’

Digitalis ‘Candy Mountain’ is the first ever Foxglove to have upward-facing flowers, allowing the beautifully speckled throats of its rose pink blossoms to be revealed, adding greatly to its ornamental appeal. It has large rosettes of soft green leaves, from which the numerous flower spikes emerge. In early summer, the rose pink flowers completely surround the strong flower spikes, creating a sensational dramatic effect at the back of the border! As with other biennials/short-lived perennials in favorable sites, these plants can remain in the garden for many years through self-seeding.
Uses
Effective as a specimen or massed in mixed borders, naturalized in meadows, along woodland edges or in cottage gardens. Flowers, foliage and seedheads are lovely in arrangements. Attractive to hummingbirds. Toxic if eaten.
Cultivation
Prefers acidic, moist, well-drained soil enriched with humus. Partial shade is best, although it will grow in full sun. To encourage plants to act as perennials, cut all flowering stalks back to basal foliage before seed sets. However, if allowed to go to seed, plants will act more as biennials and will, in optimum growing conditions, freely self-seed. Not appealing to deer and rabbits.