Jessie Keith
Family
Scrophulariaceae
Botanical Name
Digitalis obscura
Plant Common Name
Spanish Foxglove, Sunset Foxglove, Willow-leaved Foxglove
General Description
The narrow or willow-leaved foxglove is a semi-woody perennial with more linear leaves that standard foxgloves and spikes of bright pretty sunset-hued bells that appear in late spring to summer. This exceptionally long-lived foxglove is an evergreen perennial that comes from the montane regions of Spain. It will bloom for an extended period of time and is quite drought tolerant once established.
The leaves of this clump-forming foxglove are linear, dark green and thick. In late spring and midsummer spikes of bell-shaped flowers appear. These are in shades of orange, yellow and rose and the bells curve downward in an elegant fashion. Regular deadheading will encourage continued bloom.
This is a tough foxglove that can take dryer harsher climates than others. Full to partial sun is preferred and the soil can have average to poor fertility but must be sharply drained. Plant sunset foxglove in alpine or rock gardens or sunny borders.
Digitalis produce a compound called digitoxin. There are health concerns related to foxgloves because of this harmful compound. To learn more go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digitoxin
Ornamental Features
-
Flower Interest
Showy
-
Fragrant Flowers
No
-
Fragrant Fruit
No
-
Fragrant Foliage
No
-
Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
-
Edible Fruit
No
-
Showy Foliage
No
-
Foliage Texture
Medium
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
