Shady spires

Reaching to over a metre tall, foxgloves () add height and colour to the border in May and June. Happiest in woodland conditions of partial to full shade, they prefer moist, free-draining soil. As well as the native purple-flowering type, there are plenty other colours to play with, such as creamy-white ‘Alba’ or pinky-peach ‘Sutton’s Apricot’. The strawberry foxglove ( AGM) is particularly delightful, with large, dusky pink flowers.