Digitalis 'Dalmatian White'

Digitalis 'Dalmatian White': Freckled White Spires Aglow at Dusk

Crisp white bells sprinkled with maroon freckles inside, like a white shirt that survived one too many red wine toasts. 'Dalmatian White' still looks better than everybody at the gala. CLASSY WITH A SIDE OF MESSY.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Digitalis purpurea 'Dalmatian White'
• Common Name: Foxglove
• Height: 90–120 cm (3–4 ft)
• Spread: 30–45 cm (12–18 in)
• Flowers: White tubular bells with maroon-purple speckles inside, on upright spikes. Flowers in its first year.
• Bloom Time: Early to midsummer (June to July)
• Foliage: Deep green leaves in a low basal rosette
• Features: Rabbit resistant, good cut flower, RHS Award of Garden Merit, all parts toxic if eaten

Where to Plant: Use it for height in the middle of a border, in a cottage garden, or along a woodland edge that gets morning sun, where the white spikes glow at dusk. Since every part of the plant is poisonous, site it away from spots where pets or small children like to nibble.

Companion Plants: Plant 'Dalmatian White' in a moist bed in sun or part shade with white bergenia and tall pink plumes. Heuchera FYRE WING™ 'Spinel' edges the front at 18 cm with colourful foliage. Bergenia 'Bressingham White' opens white flowers at 30 to 35 cm in April and May. Filipendula 'Venusta' rises behind at 180 to 240 cm with deep pink plumes from June to August. Molinia 'Moorflamme' adds a fine clump at about 60 cm that turns orange-red in fall.

Plant Care: Plant in spring in humus-rich soil that stays moist but drains well. Full sun works if the soil doesn't dry out; a little afternoon shade helps in hot spots. Water during dry spells, and avoid ground that stays soggy over winter. Tall spikes may need a stake in windy sites. When the first flush fades, cut the spent spikes down to the base. This helps the plant overwinter and bloom again the next year. Foxglove is a biennial or short-lived perennial, so let a few spikes set seed in the second year if you'd like seedlings to carry on. Wear gloves when handling it.

History: Digitalis purpurea is native to western and southwestern Europe, and English physician William Withering published his study of it as a heart medicine in 1785. 'Dalmatian White' belongs to the seed-raised Dalmatian Series, known for flowering in the first year, and holds the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Final Thoughts: Deer and rabbits read the label and move on. Keep the kids and the dog from snacking, too. LOOK ALL YOU WANT, JUST DON'T TASTE.