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A truly exotic and show-stopping plant, the Canary Island Foxglove is not a true foxglove but a magnificent, shrubby perennial that brings a touch of the tropics to the patio. 'Bella' is a superb selection that produces multiple, dense spikes of incredibly unusual flowers. Each bloom is a stunning shade of coppery-orange or rich apricot, with intricate reddish-brown veining inside. The shape is unique, not a classic bell but a flared, beak-like tube, giving the plant a very striking and architectural appearance. The foliage is handsome too, consisting of long, willow-like, glossy green leaves that form a neat shrub. It has a very long flowering season, blooming continuously through summer. As it is native to the Canary Islands, it is tender and must be protected from frost, making it an ideal specimen plant for a large container.
Previously known as Isoplexis canariensis, this plant was reclassified into the Digitalis genus. It is pollinated in its native habitat by birds, which explains the very different flower shape compared to the bee-pollinated European foxgloves.
A truly exotic and show-stopping plant, the Canary Island Foxglove is not a true foxglove but a magnificent, shrubby perennial that brings a touch of the tropics to the patio. 'Bella' is a superb selection that produces multiple, dense spikes of incredibly unusual flowers. Each bloom is a stunning shade of coppery-orange or rich apricot, with intricate reddish-brown veining inside. The shape is unique, not a classic bell but a flared, beak-like tube, giving the plant a very striking and architectural appearance. The foliage is handsome too, consisting of long, willow-like, glossy green leaves that form a neat shrub. It has a very long flowering season, blooming continuously through summer. As it is native to the Canary Islands, it is tender and must be protected from frost, making it an ideal specimen plant for a large container.
Botanical name
Digitalis canariensis 'Bella'
Flower colour
Coppery-orange with red veining
Established height
70-90 cm
Established spread
60 cm
Plant spacing
1 plant per 40cm pot
Leaf colour
Glossy, dark green
Habit
Upright, shrubby
Life cycle
Tender Perennial
Hardiness
Tender (H2)
Years to establish
1st year
Sunlight
Full sun or partial shade
Position
Sheltered
Suitable for
Large containers, Patios, Conservatories, Sub-tropical gardens
Soil acidity
Any
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Soil type
Good quality potting compost
RHS Award (AGM)
No
Growing skill
Moderate
Pollinator-friendly
Yes
Deer resistant
Yes
Where to Plant:
Also known as the Canary Island Foxglove, this is a spectacular and tender perennial that needs a special position. In the UK, it is best grown in a container, which allows you to move it to a protected location for the winter. Choose the sunniest, most sheltered spot you have, on a patio or in a warm courtyard. It requires rich, very well-drained compost. It can be tried in a very sheltered, sunny border in the warmest parts of the country, but pot cultivation is safest.
How to Plant:
Plant a young pot-grown specimen in the spring or summer into a slightly larger container using a good quality, loam-based compost mixed with grit for drainage. Ensure the plant sits at the same depth as it was in its original pot. Water it in well after potting on. If attempting to plant in a border, prepare the soil with plenty of organic matter and grit, and plant after all risk of frost has passed.
Aftercare:
Water regularly during the growing season, but allow the top of the compost to dry out slightly between waterings. Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser every few weeks during summer to encourage a long-lasting display of its exotic, coppery-orange flower spikes. Deadhead the faded flower spikes to promote new ones. Before the first frosts in autumn, move the container to a frost-free place like a conservatory or greenhouse to overwinter.
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Kind Words from Our Gardeners
Arrived quickly and well-packaged. Planted them in some pots on the patio and they all came up. Look beautiful. Thank you!
Careane Wallace
Oxfordshire, UK
The bulbs arrived beautifully packaged and you could just tell they were excellent quality. We had the most wonderful display of daffodils this spring on our patio. Simply stunning. Will definitely be ordering again
David P
Kent, UK
I ordered the mixed hyacinth collection and the scent in my garden this April was absolutely heavenly. Every single bulb produced a strong, beautiful flower and the colours were stunning together. A fantastic purchase, I'll be back for more next year!
Eleanor R
Somerset
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