Digitalis grandiflora 'Carillon'

Overview and Features

Digitalis grandiflora 'Carillon' is a charming and compact variety of the large yellow foxglove. It is noted for its elegant, tubular, soft yellow flowers with pale brown speckled throats, which bloom gracefully on short, upright stems above neat rosettes of dark green foliage.

Unlike some foxgloves, this perennial variety is long-lived, returning for several years with proper care. ‘Carillon’ is also non-invasive and less prone to self-seeding, making it an excellent choice for more controlled perennial borders and designs. It’s a pollinator-friendly plant and works well in naturalistic or woodland garden settings.

• Height: 40–60 cm

• Spread: 30–40 cm

• Flowers: Creamy to pale yellow, lightly speckled throats

• Bloom Time: June to August

• Habit: Upright, clump-forming

• Type: Herbaceous perennial

• Hardiness: RHS H7 (very hardy)

• Attracts: Bees, especially long-tongued species

• Toxicity: All parts toxic if ingested; sap may irritate skin

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Ideal Growing Conditions

Digitalis grandiflora 'Carillon' thrives in moist, fertile, well-drained soils, particularly in partial shade, though it can tolerate full sun in cooler regions. It's particularly suited to naturalistic, cottage, or woodland-style plantings.

Light Requirements

• Best in partial shade

• Tolerates full sun in cooler or wetter climates

• Avoid deep shade which may hinder flowering

Soil Preferences

• Prefers moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil

• Performs well in loamy or clay-based soils

• Tolerates neutral to slightly alkaline pH levels

• Enrich planting site with compost or well-rotted manure

Planting Tips

• Plant in spring or autumn

• Space 30–40 cm apart to ensure good air circulation

• Works well at the front or middle of borders, and in wildlife gardens

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Watering, Feeding, and Ongoing Care

Watering

• Water regularly during dry periods, especially during flowering

• Do not allow soil to dry out completely—consistent moisture is key

• Water at the base to avoid wetting the foliage

Feeding

• Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in early spring

• Use a liquid feed monthly during the flowering period for best results

• Mulch annually with compost to retain soil moisture and feed the plant naturally

Pruning and Deadheading

• Deadhead spent flowers promptly to encourage more blooms

• Cut flower stems to the base once flowering is over

• Tidy up rosettes in late autumn or early spring

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Winter and Longevity Tips

• Fully hardy across Ireland and the UK

• Cut back old foliage in late autumn or early spring

• Apply a light mulch over the crown in colder areas to protect from frost

• Divide every 3–4 years to rejuvenate clumps and increase plant vigour

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Design Use and Companion Ideas

‘Carillon’ is excellent for naturalistic borders, cottage garden themes, and wildlife-focused gardens, thanks to its refined form and modest height. Its soft yellow tones contrast beautifully with both pastel and rich-hued flowers.

Best Uses

• Cottage and wildlife gardens

• Naturalistic or informal borders

• Shady edges of woodland gardens

• Pollinator-friendly planting schemes

• Mixed perennial beds

Companion Plants

Pairs beautifully with:

• Campanula, Salvia nemorosa, Geranium phaeum

• Astrantia, Alchemilla mollis, and Heuchera

• Hostas and ferns in partially shaded conditions

• Stachys byzantina or Veronica for texture and colour contrast

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Key Benefits

• Compact habit makes it ideal for small gardens and front-of-border use

• Soft yellow blooms add gentle brightness to shaded areas

• Reliable perennial, unlike many other foxgloves

• Non-invasive and well-behaved

• Attracts pollinators and supports garden biodiversity

Standard Delivery per parcel*	€7.95
* parcels up to 30kg or within dimensions volume
* free delivery over €250 on standard items (excludes large/bulky items)
* multiple purchases qualify for combined delivery
For large items please ring us on 069-64084 to discuss delivery.

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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