Purple Foxglove

(Digitalis purpurea)

Purple Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Digitalis purpurea, commonly known as Purple Foxglove, is a herbaceous biennial or short-lived perennial herb native to open woodlands, forest margins, moorlands, and heathlands in Western Europe and Morocco. Either semi-evergreen or deciduous depending on the climate, it can grow up to 2 meters tall and 0.5 meters wide, with a basal rosette of leaves and a central flower spike. The flowers are showy, tubular, and pendent, typically purple, with cultivars in pink, rose, yellow, or white. The interior of the flower tube is spotted, attracting pollinators like bees. Flowering occurs in early summer, with potential for additional blooms later. The fruit is a capsule that releases many tiny seeds, allowing for self-seeding in gardens.

Purple Foxglove is valued for its vertical accent and vibrant flowers in late spring and early summer. It is used in cottage gardens, mixed borders, and woodland gardens. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate part shade, making it suitable for underplanting in light woodland. While it is easy to grow and maintain, it is important to note that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested. Digitalis purpurea can be susceptible to crown rot and leaf spot diseases. It is potentially invasive outside its native range, so gardeners should consult local guidelines before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 3-5 feet
  • Width: 1-2.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Purple, Pink, White
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Semi-deciduous

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands, forest margins, moorlands, and heathlands in Western Europe and Morocco

Other Names

Common Names: Foxglove, Common Foxglove, Fairy Cap, Almindelig Fingerbøl, Roter Fingerhut, Rohtosormustinkukka, Digitale Pourpre, Grande Digitale, Revebjelle, Vingerhoedskruid

Scientific Names: , Digitalis purpurea, Digitalis mauretanica, Digitalis purpurea var. nevadensis, Digitalis purpurea var. gyspergerae, Digitalis gyspergerae, Digitalis purpurea var. alba, Digitalis miniana, Digitalis purpurea subsp. gyspergerae, Digitalis gloxinioides

GBIF Accepted Name: Digitalis purpurea L.