Digitalis ferruginea commonly known as the rusty foxglove is a stunning perennial within the Lakeside Garden.
This attractive plant belongs to the family: Plantaginaceae, native to Romania, Hungary, Turkey, and the Caucasus. It comprises dense spikes of bronze / yellow flowers with distinct red veined throats that are great for pollinating insects, flowering from mid - late summer.
The bell shaped coppery/ bronze flowers hold a rich supply of nectar which is safely protected from rain within the cavity of the blooms, (nature intended it that way)
The opening of each flower head provides ideal landing pads for many insects, including, butterflies, bees, hoverflies, lacewings.
Digitalis ferruginea adds architectural structure to the garden, but in a very (niche) fine art form. This amazing perennial can grow up to 1.5 metres in height.
Kevin Line is Head Gardener/ Horticulturist, Lakeside Hotel Garden, Cumbria.
Writes also for the Professional Gardeners' Guild.
