Foxglove

This native European woodland plant appears in many guises, some dwarf and others very tall, with flowers in shades of pink and red - a white form is also available, and other species contribute yellow or rusty brown shades to the range. These blooms are attractive to bees. It is a popular biennial for shaded places, perennial if the flower stems are cut back promptly to prevent seeding. Otherwise plants seed themselves freely, and the seedlings can be transplanted if they are in the way. It is handsome and easy if watered well in dry weather, and looks spectacular at the back of a border.