Apricot Foxglove

Apricot Foxglove, or Digitalis purpurea ‘Sutton’s Apricot’, is a striking biennial perennial known for its tall spires of soft apricot-pink, bell-shaped flowers. It adds height, elegance and charm, while being highly attractive to pollinators.

Providing seasonal care is essential to encourage strong flowering, healthy foliage, and natural self-seeding. Below is a complete seasonal care guide for Apricot Foxglove throughout the year.

Spring

Pruning and Maintenance

In early spring, remove any dead or damaged leaves from the base of the plant using clean, sharp secateurs. Take care not to damage emerging flower spikes.

Feed

Apply a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth. Avoid excessive feeding, as this can result in lush foliage at the expense of flowers.

Dividing (if necessary)

Foxgloves do not require division. As they are biennial or short-lived, they are best maintained by allowing plants to self-seed naturally.

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Water regularly during dry spells in spring, keeping the soil lightly moist as growth accelerates.

Summer

Pruning and Maintenance

Once flowering finishes, you can cut back spent flower spikes to the base to tidy the plant. If you wish to encourage self-seeding, allow some flower spikes to remain and set seed.

Mulching

Apply a 2 to 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep roots cool during warm weather.

Watering

Water during prolonged dry periods, particularly while plants are flowering. Foxgloves prefer consistently moist but well-drained soil. Allow the surface to dry slightly between waterings.

Autumn

Pruning and Maintenance

Remove faded flower stems and any damaged foliage. Young rosettes formed from self-seeding can be left in place to overwinter and flower the following year

Protection from frost

Apply a light mulch around young plants to protect roots as temperatures begin to drop.

Winter

Protection from frost

Apricot Foxglove is hardy and generally requires little winter protection. In colder regions, mulch around the base helps protect overwintering rosettes from severe frost.

Pest and disease prevention

Pests and diseases are less active in winter, but inspect plants occasionally for signs of rot caused by waterlogged soil and remove any decaying foliage promptly.

Plant SOS

Wilting foliage – A sign of dry soil during warm weather. Water regularly during dry spells.

Few or no flowers – A sign the plant is in its first year or growing in too much shade. Allow time to mature and ensure adequate light.

Yellowing leaves – A sign of poor drainage or overwatering. Improve drainage and reduce watering.

Floppy flower spikes – A sign of exposure or nutrient-rich soil. Provide shelter and avoid overfeeding.

Poor self-seeding – A sign that flower spikes were removed too early. Leave some stems to set seed naturally.

Holes in leaves – A sign of slug and snail damage. Use Slug and Snail repellent or Slug and Snail control.