Although October often seems like the end of the gardening season, it’s actually the perfect time to plant out biennial foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea). Planting them now gives their roots a chance to settle in before winter sets in. This early start helps ensure you’ll have strong, beautiful flower spikes to enjoy next summer.

When selecting a spot, keep in mind that foxgloves thrive in partial shade, such as under leafy trees or along a shaded border. They like soil that stays moist but drains well. Before you plant, mix in some well-rotted compost to give them a good start. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and place the plant so that the crown is level with the surrounding soil. Leave about 30 to 45 cm between each plant so they have space to grow. After planting, water them well to help the soil settle around the roots.

These hardy biennials will spend the winter gathering strength. Their foliage will hug the ground, largely unfazed by frost and cold. The real magic happens next spring when they put all that stored energy into producing those iconic, bell-shaped flowers, attracting bees and adding vertical interest to your garden. A little effort now in October will be repaid tenfold with stunning, cottage-garden elegance from late spring through to mid-summer, making it a garden task well worth prioritising.