The MGS Forum

Plants for mediterranean gardens => Perennials => Topic started by: DebbieTeashon on November 22, 2013, 04:22:41 AM

Title: Head over heels for Digitalis Illumination Flame
Post by: DebbieTeashon on November 22, 2013, 04:22:41 AM
(http://rainyside.com/images/articles/DigitalisIlluminationFlame06281301.jpg)

A new plant for this year that I’ve been drooling over since 2012, and finally have it growing in my garden is Digitalis Illumination Flame (trademark name).  I believe it is called xDigiplexis, as it is an intergeneric cross between Digitalis and Isoplexis.

The good news for us in the Pacific Northwest is that because it is an intergeneric cross, there are no viable seeds—it’s a mule. We refrain from growing foxgloves like Digitalis purpurea because it seeds everywhere, this is an exuberant substitution that outshines many foxglove hybrids. In addition, it will bloom from spring until fall.

It is supposed to be hardy here, but I believe the jury is still out on how it will hold up in our temperate Mediterranean climate. I hope the hardiness of D. purpurea overshadows the not so hardy Isoplexis in its blood lines. I bought three of them. One is in the garden (planted in spring) and two are still in pots and are in the greenhouse. If it proves to not be hardy enough I will grow these in containers and overwinter them inside.

What do you think about this plant?
Title: Re: Head over heels for Digitalis Illumination Flame
Post by: Daisy on November 29, 2013, 07:30:19 AM
I keep coming back to this photograph Debbie. It is a gorgeous flower.
Do you have any photos of the whole plant?
Does it grow like an Isoplexis, or more like a Digitalis?
I would love one.
Not that I have any room left!!! ???
Daisy :)
Title: Re: Head over heels for Digitalis Illumination Flame
Post by: DebbieTeashon on November 29, 2013, 10:34:20 AM
Hi Daisy,

Yes I have two photos, one is in my garden shortly after it was planted so I don't know how tall it will eventually be once it has settled in. The second one was at a tradeshow and these were planted in pots. They are so new here that I have only seen them in pots with the exception of this newly planted one in my garden. I am keeping my fingers crossed that it is hardy enough. I have two in the greenhouse for pot culture until I determine if it will survive.

Title: Re: Head over heels for Digitalis Illumination Flame
Post by: Fermi on November 29, 2013, 02:34:29 PM
It looks to be great plant! And no seedlings to become weeds!
I wonder of anyone is going to introduce it into Australia?
cheers
fermi