Rehmannia elata (Chinese Foxglove)

Rehmannia elata (Chinese Foxglove) is an upright perennial with tall flowering stalks bearing nodding, two-lipped, bright rose trumpet-shaped flowers, 4 in. long (10 cm), revealing yellow spotted throats. Resembling Mimulus or Foxgloves, they bloom profusely from mid-spring well into fall in mild winter climates. In colder climates, they bloom in summer and fall. The charming flowers rise from a low, mat-like rosette of deeply toothed, ovate, gray-green leaves. Evergreen in mild climates.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
• Grows up to 2-4 ft. tall (60-120 cm) and 18-36 in. wide (45-90 cm). Will spread by rhizomes to form colonies.
• Best grown in full sun or light shade, in organically rich, moist, well-drained soils. Appreciates afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Drought tolerant once established. Provide a sheltered site with a good winter mulch.
• Great for beds and borders, wall-side borders, cottage gardens, city gardens.
• Generally disease free. Keep an eye out for slugs and snails.
• Deadhead after flowering to maintain vigor.
• Propagate by seed in late winter; take softwood cuttings in spring or root cuttings in late autumn.
• Native to China.