Evaluation of decorative value of selected taxa of the genus Digitalis

Abstract

In the years 2008-2010, evaluation of decorative value of Digitalis grandiflora Mill., D. laevigata Waldst. et Kit., D. lanata Ehrh., D. lutea L., D. × mertonensis 'Summer King', D. purpurea L. 'Apricot', 'Foxy','Pam's Choice' and D. thapsi L. 'Spanish Peaks®' was carried out. Plants were evaluated at the vegetative and generative stage. Foxglove seedlings were characterized by high quality, proportional rosettes, healthy appearance, and they were without pests or diseases. Of all the cultivars tested, D. purpurea and D. x mertonensis 'Summer King' flowered earliest. Digitalis laevigata and D. lanata reached a high decorative value latest. Digitalis lutea, D. lanata and D. laevigata flowered most abundantly. Digitalis purpurea 'Apricot' had the longest inflorescences with large flowers. Digitalis × mertonensis 'Summer King' had short inflorescences, but with very densely set flowers. All the taxa evaluated were characterized by high decorative quality. They can be grown in fields in the climatic conditions of northwestern Poland. Digitalis x mertonensis 'Summer King', D. purpurea 'Apricot' and 'Pam's Choice' were of the highest decorative value.

Keywords

• Digitalis
• foxglove
• seedlings
• flowering
• decorative value