• Biennial or short-lived perennial
• Decorative, pharmacy
• Blooms: June–August.
• Poisonous plant
Common digitalis is a plant native to Western Europe, traditionally grown in both monastery gardens and ornamental flower beds. It is distinguished by its tall inflorescences and bright purple or pink flowers.
In monastery gardens, digitalis was an important medicinal species, but it was also valued for its decorative properties. Due to its tall inflorescences, it was often planted at the back of flower beds.
In manor gardens, digitalis was used in romantic-style landscaping, where their vertical silhouettes gave the impression of wild nature.
In rural homesteads, they usually grew near fences or in semi-wild areas, where they could self-sow.
Today, digitalis remains a popular ornamental plant, but is grown with caution due to its toxicity.
