Best foxgloves to grow

For structure they're ideal. The taller species are great for adding height and interest by cutting through more loosely structured plants. Plus, many species are woodland natives so are happy growing in shady areas.

Many varieties are good for wildlife – long-tongued bees visit the tubular blooms to collect pollen and nectar.

Gather ideas and inspiration on growing the different types of foxgloves with these foxglove planting combinations.

More on growing foxgloves:

• Six plants to grow with foxgloves
• How to plant foxgloves
• How to collect and sow foxglove seed

Browse our pick of the best foxgloves to grow.

Digitalis x mertonensis

Digitalis x mertonensis is commonly known as the strawberry foxglove, owing to its large, pink-red blooms. It's a perennial species that will enjoy growing in moist, well-drained soil in full to partial shade.

• Buy Digitalis x mertonensis from Crocus and Gardening Express

Digitalis parviflora

The small-flowered foxglove, Digitalis parviflora, has gorgeous, smokey orange blooms that are tightly packed on tapering stems. A hardy perennial species, it's best grown in full sun or partial shade, in moist, well-drained soil.

• Buy Digitalis parviflora from Crocus, Waitrose and Sarah Raven

Digitalis grandiflora

This hardy perennial species has large, warm-yellow flowers and is thought to be the longest-lived perennial foxglove. It grows to around 80cm in height and makes a lovely cut flower. Grow Digitalis grandiflora in part shade in moist, well-drained soil.

• Buy Digitalis grandiflora from Crocus

Digitalis purpurea subsp. heywoodii

We've highlighted this Iberian sub-species because there are several unusual cultivars with downy foliage and stems, like that of Stachys byzantina. Digitalis purpurea subsp. heywoodii cultivars to grow include 'Silver Fox' and 'Silver Cub'.

• Buy Digitalis purpurea subsp heywoodii from Gardening Express, Thompson & Morgan and Sarah Raven

Digitalis obscura

Digitalis obscura, the sunset foxglove, is a perennial foxglove native to mountainous regions of Spain, so it's more suited to sunny, dry borders than other foxgloves. A frost-hardy species that grows to around 1m tall.

• Buy Digitalis obscura from Gardening Express and Etsy

Digitalis canariensis

The Canary Island foxglove (Digitalis canariensis) is a shrubby, tender foxglove with blazing orange blooms and glossy, evergreen foliage. Looks right at home as part of an exotic border but will need protection from frost in winter.

• Buy Digitalis canariensis from Gardening Express, Sarah Raven and Etsy

Digitalis ferruginea

This striking, elegant foxglove bears tightly packed, rusty orange flowers on tall stems, reaching 1.5m in height. A robust species, Digitalis ferruginea is tolerant of most spots, except soils that are excessively wet or dry. Combines well with purple-flowered plants.

• Buy Digitalis ferruginea from Chiltern Seeds

Digitalis lanata

Digitalis lanata goes by the rather exotic common name of Grecian foxglove. This short-lived perennial species has pale orange flowers, each with a prominent white lip. Grows to 60cm and enjoys a well-drained soil in full sun or part shade.

• Buy Digitalis lanata from Sarah Raven

Digitalis lutea

Commonly known as the small foxglove, Digitalis lutea is a delicate species with creamy-yellow flowers. A hardy perennial, it grows to around 60cm and enjoys a partially shaded spot in moist, well-drained soil.

• Buy Digitalis lutea from Crocus and Waitrose Garden

Digitalis purpurea

Last, but by no means least, Digitalis purpurea, the UK's native foxglove. The pure species is beautiful, but you can take your pick of numerous cultivars, too. 'Serendipity' has unusual split flowers, those of 'Alba' are white, while those of 'Sugar Plum' have deep purple centres.

• Buy Digitalis purpurea from Crocus and Sarah Raven and Thompson & Morgan