A fiery relative of the foxglove
If you like exotic plants, you’ll love this Isoplexis Bella Canary Island foxglove brought to you from Suttons and Hillier Nurseries. It has tropical looks, a voluptuous sub-shrub shape, profuse flowering, nectar-rich flowers which attract bees, bright colours and drought tolerance.
This joint venture will mean as many gardeners as possible will be able to buy it. Suttons’ experience in mail order and online sales joins Hillier Nurseries and Garden Centres, supplying a wide range of retailers. The plants, up to 1m tall, are shaped like a candelabra. They have a tremendous presence, with fiery sunset shade flowers and ruby stems that appear to glow.
Isoplexis Bella – Moderately hardy plants
The plants are moderately hardy (down to -5ºC), so would benefit from some shelter if your garden suffers hard frosts. They bloom from June to September and can be planted in borders or patio pots. As plants naturally grow on the edge of the forest, they enjoy the sun as well as dappled shade.
- Genus: Isoplexis
- Species: Canariensis
- Common name: Canary Island foxglove (read more on the foxglove family)
- Height/spread: 81-90cm, 51-60cm
- Where to grow: Containers, beds and borders
- Attracts: Bees
- Climate: Full sun, partial shade
- Flower colour: Orange
- Flowers: June, July, August, September
UPDATE: Neither Suttons nor Hillier is stocking Bella any more. However, there’s a ray of hope at the Big Plant Nursery, Burncoose Nurseries, B&Q Online and Amazon, although supplies seem to have mainly sold out.
