Digitalis purpurea 'Foxy'

The magnificent Digitalis genus is commonly known as ‘Foxglove’ for the ‘glove tip’ shape of its vibrant blooms. According to The New Sunset Western Garden Book, most species of this genus originated in Europe and the Mediterranean region. Blooms come in a variety of colors including yellow, white, purple, and pastel shades. Digitalis purpurea falls within this genus, distinguishing itself as a popular choice for gardens for its bold, upright growth habit and profusion of uniquely shaped flowers. It boasts wide, fuzzy light green leaves on the lower stem and 1-2 ft long spikes of stunning 2-3 inch tubular blooms. Flower petals are deep purple on the outer side and spotted on the paler inner surface. The plant reaches around four feet at maturity. Digitalis purpurea’s height, vibrant color, and reputation as an attractor of birds and butterflies make it a popular choice for shaded garden beds and roadsides throughout California and the Pacific Northwest.

It turns out we must only appreciate this lovely plant with our eyes! Interestingly and importantly, all parts of the plant – flower, leaf, and stem – are poisonous due to the compounds digitoxin and digoxin. Ingestion can cause cardiac symptoms and, in severe cases, fatal cardiac arrest.

D. purpurea achieves most successful growth in Western Climate Zones A2, A3, and 1 through 24. Plants perform best when planted in partial or full shade, though they can tolerate full sun in cooler summer climates. They do require regular watering. To elongate the length of time Digitalis will show color, removal of the first bloom will encourage a secondary round of blooms later in the season.

We are currently growing the ‘Foxy’ series of Digitalis purpurea in 4.5’’ pots and as a premium plant in six packs. ‘Foxy’ is a beautiful plant that typically reaches four feet and bears flowers about five months after planting. Since our plants our still young, they’re showing vibrant green foliage but no bud or bloom just yet. To learn more about this plant and the many others we grow, give us a call, like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, or check out our website at clearwatercolor.com!