Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00000531
11/12/99

Digitalis purpurea--Foxglove


Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9
Height: 5 ft Spread: 18 in
Type: biennial
Flowers: Pink, white, yellow, purple

Comments: Foxgloves are biennials grown as perennials.
They produce tall spikes (Vis. 1) of bell-shaped flowers
that are often spotted with purple. Best growth occurs in
fertile, well-drained soil and either sun or shade.
Foxglove likes to be mulched. Volunteer plants that are the
result of self-seeding give the plant the appearance of a
perennial. Cut off the flower stalk immediately after
flowering to encourage shoots that bloom later in the
season. The leaves are poisonous.

Propagation: Propagation is usually by seed. Some seed
needs to be planted every year in order to guarantee
blooming. The seed germinates in 2 to 3 weeks at 65 to 70
degrees. The seed can be planted in a row outside then
the seedlings are moved to flowering sites in the fall.

Cultivars:
'Alba' - White to cream flowers without the usual
spotting.
'Apricot' - Apricot colored flowers.
'Excelsior Hybrids' - Large flowers are produced in a
mixture of colors.
'Foxy Hybrids' - Plants produce white, yellow or pink
flowers.
'Giant Shirley' - This strain produces flowers in a mix
of colors on spikes reaching a height of 4 feet.
'Glittering Prizes' - Flowers are a mixture of colors.
'Pam's Choice' - White flowers with maroon throats and
spots.

References for Cultivars: Walters Gardens 1999, Bailey
Nurseries 1999, Thompson and Morgan 1997, White Flower
Farm 1999, Weston Nurseries 1999, Sheridan Nurseries 1999,
Wayside Gardens 1999.


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