Grecian Foxglove

(Digitalis lanata)

Grecian Foxglove (Digitalis lanata)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Digitalis lanata, commonly known as Grecian Foxglove, is an evergreen perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, scrublands, and grasslands in Southeastern Europe and Turkey. It typically grows to a height of 2 feet and a width of 1 foot. The plant is characterized by its erect spikes of densely packed flowers, which are cream-colored with a lower lip marked by brown or purple net-like veins, blooming in the summer. The flowers are showy and tubular, attracting pollinators such as bees. Digitalis lanata is known for its foliage, which forms a basal rosette of oblong-lanceolate leaves in the first year, with flowering occurring in the second year.

Grecian Foxglove is valued for its striking flowers and medicinal properties, as it is a source of digoxin, a compound used to treat heart conditions. It is suitable for border plantings and wildflower gardens, offering an attractive display when massed together. It requires full sun to part shade and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While it is drought-tolerant once established, especially in its first year, regular watering will promote optimal growth. Care should be taken when handling this plant as all parts are toxic if ingested. It is potentially invasive in some regions, such as parts of the United States, so gardeners should consult local guidelines before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 2-5 feet
  • Width: 0.4-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Brown, Cream, White
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands, scrublands, and grasslands in Southeastern Europe and Turkey

Other Names

Common Names: Woolly Foxglove, Wolliger Fingerhut, Digitale Laineuse, Wollig Vingerhoedskruid, Grekisk Fingerborgsblomma, Wooly Foxglove

Scientific Names: , Digitalis lanata, Digitalis eriostachya, Digitalis lanata var. abbreviata, Digitalis orientalis,

GBIF Accepted Name: Digitalis lanata Ehrh.