Digitalis
Foxglove
Digitalis used to be called “Finger-flowers,” because its blossoms resemble the fingers of a glove with the ends cut off. Dwelling in deep hollows and woody dells, this poisonous herb grows easily in any fertile soil, seeds itself freely, and lends a naturalized look at the edge of the woodlands, especially when combined with Aruncus, Actaea or ferns.
Originally found on Krk Island off the Yugoslavian coastline, Rusty Foxglove boasts distinctive copper-hued columns of bloom. Lanceolate, dark evergreen leaves form a handsome base for the large tightly-packed, thimble-shaped flowers colored in cheerful yellows with rust accents. A powerful element in the garden or in an arrangement, let its stately stance echo the vertical blades of Calamagrostis, while blue Aconitum provides glorious complementary color. Readily reseeding, this intriguing biennial will bring years of enjoyment.
Blooms July–August
Size: 4' 0" – 5' 0" high x 12" – 15" wide.
Hardy to zone 6.
Digitalis grandiflora (P-0193)
Each $10.50
Meandering throughout the woodlands and stream banks of central and southern Europe to Turkey and western Siberia, this AGM recipient is touted as one of the hardiest and longest lived perennial species in the genus. Lanky lance-shaped leaves with fine teeth and prominent veins compose the handsome green rosette that launches a lovely pastel showing of pendulous creamy-yellow blooms. Set along one side of staunch, tall leafy stalks, the large funnel-shaped flowers reveal showy brown-stippled interiors; superimposed against a dark backdrop they create an impressive effect.
Blooms June–August
Size: 2' 0" – 3' 0" high x 12" – 18" wide.
Hardy to zone 3.
Digitalis x mertonensis (P-0195)
Each $10.50
This evergreen Foxglove is loved for its lush, velvety, dark green basal foliage. Its large flowers are tinged with rosy mauve and peppered with coppery sandstone. Divide after blooming to maintain as a perennial. Combine with Geranium ‘Langthorn’s Blue’ to make a bold statement.
Blooms July–August.
Size: 2' 0" high x 12" wide.
Hardy to zone 5.
This remarkable long-blooming F1 hybrid delivers oodles of floral pomp. Laden with crimson-speckled cream-hued blooms, the reliable, well-endowed towering spires develop in the first year and yield a grander repeat performance the second. Large, nectar-rich pendulous bells densely stud 4 ft. tall, steadfast stalks above hearty dark green leaves. A choice contender for cottage gardens or bouquets, ‘Camelot Cream’ relishes prudent dead-heading and moist rich soil.
Blooms April–August
Size: 3' 0" – 4' 0" high x 18" – 2' 0" wide.
Hardy to zone 5.
Digitalis purpurea ‘Camelot Lavender’ (P-2178)
Each $10.50
Granted an AGM for its statuesque presence and dependable nectar-rich flower power, this Camelot Series member was introduced in 2003. Numerous lusty stems shoulder an extraordinary profusion of densely-set creamy-yellow buds that reveal funnel-shaped white blossoms with burgundy-speckled pale lavender interiors. Delivering a first-year bloom, followed by an even more floriferous performance the next year, ‘Camelot Lavender’s ample, somewhat fuzzy basal mound of oblong, big-leafed greenery can be positioned in containers or massed along a woodland’s periphery, where it grows as a biennial or short-lived perennial but does reseed.
Blooms May–July
Size: 3' 0" – 4' 0" high x 18" – 2' 0" wide.
Hardy to zone 5.
Digitalis purpurea ‘Pam's Choice’ (P-1881)
Each $10.50
Tall stately spires grab our attention as closely arranged white buds morph into funnel-shaped creamy white blooms distinguished by deep maroon throats plus ruffle-edged tips with burgundy spots and splotches. Sprouting an attractive evergreen basal rosette of oblong medium green foliage, this perennial’s good-sized undemanding stature can grace a border, a cottage garden or more informal setting, while its ornate self-sowing flowers make a luminous statement against dark-leafed shrubs or hedges. Introduced by Wayside Gardens, ‘Pam’s Choice’ resists deer, lives longer if its blossoms don’t set seed and thrives in organic-rich moderately moist acidic spots that drain well.
Blooms May–July
Size: 3' 0" – 4' 0" high x 18" wide.
Hardy to zone 4.
'Silver Fox' flounces such a winning combination of soothing pastel colors, it’s hard to decide what is more lovely: the large white bells laced with pink on the outside and speckled with dark pink on the inside, or the lanceolate woolly silver foliage. Luring butterflies, gardeners and florists, the bounty of blooms crest multiple stems above an undemanding biennial habit that easily reseeds, fends off deer as well as bunnies and enjoys lime-free well-drained sites.
Blooms May–July
Size: 2-1/2' high x 12" wide.
Hardy to zone 4.
Majestic spires of snowy white flowers rise above upright stems and attractive lanceolate leaves. Touted as the first seed strain of pure white blooms, this biennial Foxglove looks outstanding in a drift with Corydalis ‘Blue Panda’, and perpetuates itself by easily reseeding.
Blooms May–July.
Size: 3-1/2' – 4' 0" high x 18" wide.
Zone 5/6.
Vigorous and upright, this biennial cultivar is named for the large, pendulous apricot blooms that crowd its imposing, straight stems. The medium green leathery leaves are slightly wooly, large at the base of the stalk and smaller as they ascend.
Coveted by bumblebees, hummingbirds and gardeners alike, ‘Sutton’s Apricot’ dresses the garden in pastels and a carefree style.
Blooms April–June.
Size: 4' 0" high x 2' 0" wide.
Zone 5/6.
Linear stems, garbed in gleaming, darkly green lanceolate leaves with fine gray-haired margins, spring from a tailored evergreen rosette. Indigenous to Turkey, this hard-to-find Foxglove’s signature is its remarkable soft-looking, earthy flower spikes. Fuzzy, tightly set, silver-washed buds unveil caramel-colored blossoms, featuring elaborately patterned gold and rusty-brown throats plus white lips. Long blooming, more drought tolerant than other Digitalis and happiest in a cool, somewhat shady setting, it can be positioned next to Salvia forsskaolii.
Blooms June–August
Size: 2' 0" – 2-1/2' high x 12" wide.
Zone 5/6.