Digitalis laevigata aka Smooth Leaved Foxglove

Digitalis laevigata, or smooth foxglove, belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. This short-lived perennial comes from southern Europe. Its range includes Italy, Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia. In the wild, it grows in mountain woods and scrub. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. In gardens, it suits woodland edges and places with dappled shade.

The plant forms a basal rosette of oval, dark green leaves. It loses its leaves for winter. Upright stems carry leaves above the clump. Garden plants reach about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] tall. Their spread ranges from 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. Plants take two to five years to reach full size. In summer, loose racemes hold pale yellow flowers with brown veins. Each flower measures about 0.11 feet [0.035 metres] long. The flower stems add height above the low clump of leaves.

Grow this foxglove in sun or partial shade. It does best in soil rich in humus. Keep the soil moist, but allow excess water to drain. Avoid sites that stay very wet or become very dry. It accepts clay, loam, sand and chalk soils. Acid, neutral and alkaline soils all suit it. It can grow in sheltered or exposed sites. The RHS rates its hardiness as H5. This covers winter lows of 5–14°F [−15 to −10°C].

Use it in beds, borders, cottage gardens or wildlife gardens. The RHS also lists coastal gardens and city courtyards as suitable settings. Cut off the main flower spike when its blooms fade. This helps flowering side shoots grow. Sow seed in pots in a cold frame during late spring. Divide plants with care in early spring. Basal cuttings in spring offer another way to raise plants. Watch for aphids and leaf and bud eelworm. Leaf spots and powdery mildew can also affect it.

All parts are poisonous, and no edible uses are known. The plant is toxic to people and pets if eaten. Wear gloves and other protection when handling it. PFAF records medicinal use of the leaves for some heart complaints. It also warns that large doses cause harm. This medicinal history does not make the plant safe to eat.