Digitalis purpurea

Common Foxglove, Digitalis

Used in both medicine and poisons, these easy-to-grow biennials and perennials have tall spires of tubular flowers, fancied to have the shape of fingers of a glove (the Latin word for finger is digitus). They attract hummingbirds. The gray leaves grow at the bottom of the stalk below the flowers. Excellent for mixed flower borders. Self-sows, if old flowers are left until seeds mature and scatter. Sow seed or divide in spring. Also available in cell packs, 4-inch and gallon-sized containers in fall and spring. After first bloom, cut main stem so side shoots develop which keep blooming. Watch for slugs and snails.

Stalks which reach more than 5 feet tall are covered with dangling flowers. Leaves are used in heart disease medicines, but should not be eaten. If started from seed in spring, flowers 1 year later. Likes shade.

Attributes - Digitalis purpurea

Plant Type: Biennial

Bloom Season: Late Spring through Mid Summer

Flower Color: Lavender, Peach, Pink, Purple, White, Yellow

Height: 3 ft. to 5 ft.

Width: 2 ft.

Sunlight: Partial Sun, Shade

Climate: Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Notes: Thrives in Acid Soil, Wet Soil. Container Plants, Cut Flowers, Long Blooming, Low Maintenance, Poisonous, Showy Flowers. Susceptible to Aphids, Black Spot, Mealybugs, Powdery Mildew, Root Rot.

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Digitalis purpurea

Common Foxglove, Digitalis

Attributes - Digitalis purpurea

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