All about the foxgloves
The Botanic Nursery curates the National Collection of Digitalis for Plant Heritage (formerly National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens) When the idea was forward the idea of National Collections we thought that Digitalis would sit well with the range of shrubs that we already grew and were granted the collection holder status in 1994. We are fortunate to be able to exhibit the Digitalis at many major flower shows.
If you want to know more there are talks at the nursery in Foxglove week and at the garden school events.
There are 24 species and distinct geographic or varietal forms found throughout Central and Southern Europe. The Foxglove is a great survivor in the garden, as our native Foxglove Digitalis purpurea displays. It is the best known and has the widest variation in flower colour and are great seeders. Digitalis purpurea is a biennial and needs a period of cold in its first winter to initiate the flowering stems that start to appear in May – June, few gardeners have the heart to remove them if they come up in the wrong place in the garden. Once the biennials have flowered the spent flowers slowly develop into seed pods and when dry the seed disperses. The species are perennials that come from more southerly regions of Europe, they flower a little later in July and their flower shape and colour is quite variable. The species come true from seed whilst the biennials cross pollinate. Because of their ability to set seed easily the breeders can create wonderful hybrids that flower in their first year and continue to do so for a couple more years, many set seed but it seldom recreates the parent it came from.
Other plant collections at the nursery
Throughout the gardens our collections of interesting lime tolerant trees and shrubs provide foliage and flower colour. In winter and early spring the perfume from many flowers can be enjoyed long before you can even see the plant. A collection of Magnolia in May and Hydrangea in late summer ensure there is always something to see and of course don’t forget the autumn colours.
The nursery boasts a fabulous range of Itoh Peonies; we have many specimen sized plants in all the best varieties. Many are planted in a large Peony border at the nursery which is stunning to see in May – June. You can even select from the border the Peony you like best and we will dig it up and send out in October, or you can choose from many of the sorts potted up.
In April the tree peonies and the Jim Archibald species Peonies come to prominence, such diversity in one family.
July is the time to see the Hollyhocks in flower, a huge range especially of single flowering sorts loved by the pollinators.
Salvia – there is a huge range of Salvia from the shrubby evergreens to the herbaceous sorts, and some very pretty annuals. The one thing they all have in common is their tremendous flowering season.
Michaelmas Daisy’s The Aster now renamed, almost unpronounceable and even harder to spell to Symphyotrichum. we have just a few of our favourite sorts for that long flowering season of interest in late September into October.
Relatively new at the nursery, mostly to satisfy Mary’s love of flower and plant arranging, is a small selection of Succulents and little plants, for growing as individual specimens or grouping together in pots or other containers. Also for indoor gardening in Terrariums.
So much more to see, and lots of helpful advice always on hand.
We have care leaflets for many of our plant collections so please click on the highlighted links to find out more.
What is a National Collection?
Plant Heritage is a charity devoted to the need to conserve garden plants, one of their most inspired ideas was to create National Collections.
There are diverse collections from the mighty Oak to Violas, Iris, Roses and of course Foxgloves. These can be found throughout the UK curated by individuals, botanic gardens, private gardens and plant nurseries. Many have open days and you can view and often purchase plants. Collectively they contain a vast number of taxa far more than even the largest Botanic Garden. I often consider them as a halfway house between the big Botanical Institutions and the home gardeners, unlike Botanic Gardens there is always someone to share your enthusiasm and of whom you can ask questions.
Plant Heritage gardening groups can be found all around the UK so do take a look at the website for more information, whilst there you may well find a collection that is close to you to visit.