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: Delphinium 'Mini Stars' adds blue spikes from June to August, a classic partner for white foxglove spires. Filipendula 'Elegans' brings fluffy pink plumes at 45 to 75 cm from June to August. Along the front, Tradescantia 'Concord Grape' offers purple flowers and grassy leaves from June to September. This group gives an easy, upright cottage border in sun or part sun.

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.