Common Foxglove (Lus mór)

A well-known native of Ireland, the common name comes from the phrase ‘Folk's Gloves’, as in fairy folk. In the olden days, you were not supposed to bring Foxglove into the house as it was considered unlucky. This is a poisonous plant, and yet the digitoxin it contains is instrumental in commercial medicine treating heart conditions. Digitalis purpurea self-seeds its tall spikes with masses of pink-purple blooms with black spots in the throats freely and flowers from June to August and will have the bees buzzing. A biennial or short lived perennial.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Moist but well-drained, prefers acidic
Position: Full sun to part shade
Season of Interest: Tall, pink-purple blooms, pollinator plant
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 5ft (1.5m) Spread: 4-17in (10-40cm)