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1g seed to cover up to 2 - 3 sqm
Loved by: Bees
(Shipped within 1 - 3 days)
Position: Lightly shaded, full sun
Soil: almost any type, avoid very wet or very dry
Sow: March - August is best but can be sown anytime
Flowering period: June - September
Hardiness: Hardy biennial or short-lived perennial
Size: 1.5 - 2.5 metres tall
D. purpurea is a biennial or short-lived perennial, freely self-seeding, with a rosette of softly hairy, oval leaves and tall, one-sided spires of pendant, tubular, bright rosy-purple flowers 6cm long, spotted within.
In the first year this species lays down roots and grows leaves, in the second year the flowers will appear then the plant dies. As they self seed, by year three you should have foxgloves flowers every year.
Will grow in almost any soil, but avoid very wet or very dry situations. Prefers a humus-rich soil in partial shade but will grow in full sun. Deadhead after flowering to avoid problems with excess numbers of seedlings.
Potentially harmful
Highly toxic by ingestion. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling
Wilding - let the flowers do their own thing and they will drop their seeds naturally and reappear in the following year if conditions are right.
Further Reading:
Sowing And Growing Wildflowers
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