Digitalis ferruginea, commonly known as Rusty Foxglove, is a semi-deciduous perennial herb native to open woodlands and forest clearings in Southern and Eastern Europe, as well as in some regions of the Middle East. It typically grows to a height of 1.2 meters (3 feet 11 inches) and features a basal rosette of oblong, dark green leaves. During the summer, it produces tall, slender spikes adorned with tubular, rusty-brown flowers that are less showy than some other foxglove species but still add a unique charm to garden settings. The flowers are frequented by bees and other pollinators.

Rusty Foxglove is valued for its vertical accent in garden design and its ability to thrive in dappled shade, making it suitable for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and cottage gardens. It has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its excellence for garden use. While it prefers part shade, it can also tolerate full sun in cooler climates. It requires medium amounts of water and can adapt to a range of soil drainage conditions, from slow to fast. Gardeners should handle this plant with care, as all parts are toxic if ingested and may cause skin irritation. It is important to note that while it is not typically invasive, it can self-seed under optimal conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0