With the trends in gardening veering towards more traditional plants, we will surely be seeing a return in popularity of the foxglove (Digitalis), an imposing perennial or biennial, producing tall spires of funnel-shaped flowers in different shades in early summer.
Good varieties include D. purpurea, which grows to 6ft (2m) and is great towards the back of an informal border.
For a later bloom go for D. x mertonensis, which grows to around 3ft (90cm), producing crushed strawberry-coloured summer flowers above attractive veiny leaves. Foxgloves tolerate most soils, preferably in partial shade and look as good in woodland borders as they do in cottage gardens.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article