Digitalis

sb3-Kpx6edS

Digitalis: is it possible to grow digitalis amongst grass under trees?  I grow them successfully in areas without grass, but do they survive in shady, grass areas amongst other spring bulbs?

nutcutlet

as long as the grass isn't too thick and doesn't get mowed they seem to cope

sb3-Kpx6edS

Thank you Nutcutlet, that's good news. I'll keep the mower well away!

bédé

sb3-Kpx6edS said:

Digitalis: is it possible to grow digitalis amongst grass under trees?  I grow them successfully in areas without grass, but do they survive in shady, grass areas amongst other spring bulbs?

Why not experiment?  Transplant some you have, and sew the fresh seed when you collect it.  What's to lose?

Transplanting will work in year 1.  Sewing might work; might not .  We look forward to your report.

nick615

'Under trees' is a little too general?  Under a spreading beech or yew is a definite no-no, but under a hedgerow should be OK.  They grow like weeds around here with a preference for hedgerows and banks.

sb3-Kpx6edS

I've attempted to grow digitalis under apple trees. I'm jealous that in Nick615's area they grow so easily! I'll certainly try to transplant Bédé, if the seeds I've sown don't flourish

Fairygirl

If you're growing under trees or similar, they need a decent amount of moisture to thrive @sb3-Kpx6edS - much harder if the soil's lighter/drier. 

The grass will be a factor if it's dense, but is there a reason you want them in the grass, as opposed to a border?
I'm not sure I'd want them around apple trees - it's just competition for the apple tree itself. Have you had the trees a while? They're better if they have some room around them,  at least until properly established. Then they can cope with a bit of grass around them - as in orchards. The grass itself will be poorer as the trees get bigger anyway. 

Slow-worm

I planted some in a long grass border and they didn't come back, so maybe give them some space in the grass. 

Buttercupdays

One of my veg beds is covered in plants seeded from last year. i will have lot to transplant,  but the bees will be delighted!

Slow-worm

Buttercupdays said:

One of my veg beds is covered in plants seeded from last year. i will have lot to transplant,  but the bees will be delighted!

They certainly will! I love watching bees crawl up the trumpets. 😄

sb3-Kpx6edS

The apple trees in the area in which I would like digitalis to appear are established (over 20 years old) and well-spaced.  I planted industrial quantities daffs/narcissus/crocus in the grass between the trees, as I'm a sucker for end-of-year bulk-buy bulb bargains, as in previous years, these late-planted bargains have done well. But as I managed to wreck the grass while planting the bulbs, I hope that the recently-exposed soil will be a home for some digitalis - thanks for the tip about ensuring moisture Fairygirl. Indeed Slow-worm, watching bees on digitalis (and phacelia) is one of life's pleasures!