About
Digitalis obscura subsp. obscura is the typical subspecies of the sunset foxglove, producing the characteristic linear, blue-green foliage and slender spikes of orange-yellow to rust-brown, tubular flowers of the species. A distinctive and beautiful foxglove for a sunny, well-drained border.
About the genus
Digitalis, the foxgloves, are biennials or usually short-lived perennials forming a rosette of simple leaves with bell-shaped flowers in slender, erect, usually one-sided racemes in late spring and early summer. Iconic cottage-garden and woodland plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants, Gravel garden
Native toSouth Africa
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light with good ventilation. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Reduce water after flowering; keep barely moist when dormant. Outdoors, grow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. Tolerant of poor, dry soils
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed at 13-15°C (55-59°F) in autumn or spring. Alternatively, propagate by division of rhizomes after flowering. Plants may be difficult to establish
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free