Foxglove (Digitalis) Varieties: Biennial & Perennial Types for Shade Gardens

Majestic tubular flower spikes in late spring/summer, wide color range. Two hardy perennials; rest biennial (most reseed). All prefer regular water.

Biennials

D. purpurea (Sunset A2–A3, 1–24) – most common, many strains. Heights vary by climate (taller in mild West). Partial/full shade (full sun in cool summers).

Color Mixes

• Excelsior: large spotted flowers, white to dark pink, ≥5 ft
• Giant Shirley: white to dark pink with crimson/chocolate spots, 3 ft, reseeds easily
• Foxy: cream, rose, white, yellow, 3 ft, blooms first year from spring seed

Single Colors

• 'Apricot' / 'Apricot Faerie Queen': soft apricot bells, 5 ft
• 'Pam's Choice': white bells, maroon throats, 3–4 ft (isolate for seed purity)
• 'Primrose Carousel': first true-from-seed yellow, 2.5 ft

Perennials

D. × mertonensis – coppery pink, 3 ft spikes, zones 1–10, 14–24. Partial/full shade (full sun in cool summers).