Tame the wild with foxgloves

FOXGLOVES can add an irresistible wildflower charm to any garden. They make great partners for roses and old-fashioned cottage garden perennials while reliably bringing in plenty of pollinators.

The pinkish-purple of the wild foxglove has been improved by gardeners over the years, partly by selection and partly by crossing with other species.

Most popular of all are the Excelsior hybrids which come in pink, purple and cream as well as white and are heavily spotted.

You need to sow seed now for flowers next summer. Cover the seeds only with a very thin layer of soil or perlite so light reaches them. After flowering, plants will die but not before self-seeding everywhere.

Finally remember foxgloves are poisonous and even handling them without gloves may irritate skin.