Digitalis
( dij - it - TAHL - iss )
At-A-Glance InformationThis genus of perennials and biennials commonly called Foxgloves need regular water, and their sunlight needs vary depending on the species. Large flowers will attract birds and butterflies to your garden. Take care when planting these beauties in your garden, however, as all parts are poisonous if they are ingested. They are mainly from the Mediterranean and Europe, and reach 2-8 feet tall at maturity, forming clumps of gray-green foliage. Flower color can be purple, yellow, white, or various pastel colors. These statement-making beauties are great for many garden uses, including as color in beds, for cut flower gardens, along pathways and roadsides, in rock gardens, and at woodland edges.
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Digitalis Species and Varietals
The genus Digitalis includes around 20 species and is a member of the plant family Plantaginaceae. Foxglove growing zones vary depending on the individual species requirements. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Digitalis davisiana This species of Foxglove is native to Turkey and is named for British botanist Peter Hadland Davis, who was very active in describing the flora of the country. This perennial plant flowers in early summertime and reaches 28 inches tall and 12 inches wide. Leaves are green and flowers are pale yellow with orange veining. |
Digitalis ferruginea (Rusty Foxglove) This is a short-lived perennial, treated commonly as a biennial. It grows best in zones 1-10 and 14-24, and gets to 4 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide. They need full sun or light shade and produce yellow flowers with rusty-red markings. Varieties include 'Gelber Herold' and 'Gigantea'. |
Digitalis grandiflora (Yellow Foxglove, Big-Flowered Foxglove, Large Yellow Foxglove) Native to Europe and Asia, this species produces flower stems that reach between 28 and 47 inches tall. Blooms are pale yellow and bell-shaped, flowering in June and July in their native habitat. Typical bloom period is about 8 weeks long. This species is considered a long-lived perennial, and has a few notable cultivars, including 'Carillon' and 'Temple Bells'. |
Digitalis laevigata (Grecian Foxglove, Giraffe Foxglove) This species grows best in zones 3b-10 and 14-24 and is a perennial that gets to 3 feet tall and half as wide. Dark green leaves are smooth and flowers are a creamy yellow with purple-brown freckles. Takes full sun but can tolerate light shade conditions. These plants bloom from May through July in their native range. |
Digitalis lutea (Straw Foxglove, Small Yellow Foxglove) This species grows best in zones 1-10 and 14-24 and is a Mediterranean native perennial plant. Gets 2.5 feet tall and 15 inches wide with spires of pale yellow flowers with brown freckles. Varietal 'Flashing Spires' has yellow variegated leaves. They need partial to full shade but can take full sun in cool-summer climates. |
Digitalis minor (Dwarf Spanish Foxglove) This low-growing species is native to Balearic Islands of Spain, and grow to reach about 30 inches tall. These plants are considered biennials or short-lived perennials. Flowers are light pink with cream colored throats dotted with dark pink markings, and bloom from May through June in the plant's native range. |
Digitalis x mertonensis (Strawberry Foxglove) This hybrid perennial species of Foxglove reaches up to 2-3 feet tall and 1 foot wide at maturity. Blooms are rose colored, and appear in spring or summertime. These plants can take full sun in cool-summer climates, but usually need partial to full shade. |
Digitalis nervosa (Tall Armenian Foxglove) This species is native to Iran up through the Caucasus, and form a woody rootstock. Flowers are rusty yellow and bell shaped, marked with red to maroon markings in the throat. These plants flower from July through August in their native range. Hardy down to -4 degrees Fahrenheit. |
Digitalis obscura (Narrow-Leaf Foxglove, Dusty Foxglove, Spanish Rusty Foxglove) This species of Foxglove is woody and a perennial, and grows in zones 2-10 and 14-24. Gets 1.5 feet tall and a little less wide. Leaves form a clump that produces spikes of drooping bell flowers that are yellow and brown. Grows best in zones 2-10 and can take full sun or light shade, needs well-drained soil, and occasional deep watering for best performance. Varietal 'Sunset' is a dwarf selection. |
Digitalis purpurea (Common Foxglove)
This biennial or short-lived perennial does best when grown in zones A2, A3 and 1-24. IT has an erect habit and grows to 4 feet or taller. Purple flowers bloom on one side of 1-2 foot spikes. Strains are outlined below.
This biennial or short-lived perennial does best when grown in zones A2, A3 and 1-24. IT has an erect habit and grows to 4 feet or taller. Purple flowers bloom on one side of 1-2 foot spikes. Strains are outlined below.
Digitalis sceptrum (Isoplexus sceptrum) (Sceptre Foxglove, Bush Foxglove, Madeiran Foxglove) This tender evergreen shrub reaches up to 6 feet tall at maturity and is native to Madeira. Leaves are large and green, and flowers are yellow, orange, or rust-colored, often seen with chocolate-brown veining. Blooms appear in summertime. These plants prefer woodland habitats, cloud forests, and steep sloped areas. This species takes five years to flower from seed. |
Caring for Digitalis
These flowering beauties need moist, well-draining, rich soil. Plant in fall for blooms the coming springtime and summer. Cut off main flower spike after the blooms fade, and the plant will send out side shoots that will flower. Plants will usually die off in summer heat, especially in hot areas. Plants will self-sow freely, but resulting flowers will be white or light-colored.
Propagation
Seed shoudl be sown in spring.
Problems and Pests
Snails and slugs.
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 289 - 290, Digitalis
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