Digitalis ferruginea (Rusty Foxglove)

Providing striking color and architectural height to borders, Digitalis ferruginea (Rusty Foxglove) is an eye-catching biennial or short-lived perennial boasting tall spikes of pendulous, funnel-shaped, creamy to pale golden-brown flowers with rusty interior veining. Blooming in late spring to early summer, they rise from a basal rosette of dark green, deeply veined, semi-evergreen leaves. They are attractive to hummingbirds, which hover near the tubular blossoms and to birds, which will flock to the seedheads in the fall. This architectural plant naturalizes well as it self-sows profusely, creating lovely colonies in the landscape. A wonderful addition to the herbaceous border.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
• Grows up to 3-5 ft. high (90-150 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm). Self-seeds freely under optimum growing conditions.
• Performs best in full sun or part shade in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Organically rich soils with consistent and regular moisture are preferred. Deer resistant.
• Easy to grow, Rusty Foxglove is a welcomed addition to beds and borders, cottage gardens, woodlands or naturalized areas. For best visual impact, plant Floxgloves in groups of 3 to 4 plants.
• Cut back main flower spike as it fades to encourage the growth of flowering side shoots.
• Keep an eye out for aphids, leaf and bud eelworm, leaf spots and powdery mildew.
• Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in late spring or propagate by division in early spring.
• Highly toxic by ingestion. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses, toxic to humans.
• Native to Europe