StoneRoad2013's photos with the keyword: foxglove

Just landing, and about to head down into the throat ... {originally uploaded in July 2021, but not "unlocked" so re-posted today, 10th September 2023, as a reminder of what summer should be like - currently just had a good, wet thunderstorm}

"Make a hole" ... Bee on finals to land on the flower lip. [originally uploaded in July 2021, but not "unlocked" - I thought we needed to see it today ... given I've got snow and ice]

Finally caught one of the bumble bees landing on the lip of a foxglove. [further identity info to follow : foxglove - Digitalis purpurea and the other leaves are from Rosa rugosa bee is a Bombus lucorum , the white-tailed bumble bee]

Close-up of the flowers for the "standard" foxglove - the patterning is wonderfully delicate spotting. I am told that in UV light this acts as a signpost for bees.

This year (2021) the volunteer foxgloves in my garden included this very white example. I shall attempt to save seeds from it. My usual crop are the standard purple / pink wild variety. I've a few of those as well. Many of them will reach just over 6ft (2m) high in their second year. This one is already over 5ft [21st June] and has more growing to do ... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digitalis_purpurea

Grown for sentimental reasons. Usually the "wild" variety rather than cultivars. Biennial so keeping track of the first year ones is a challenge at times. Hoping for some pale ones, even white, if I'm lucky, next year.