Species rusty foxglove
light-orange flowers with orange-brown center, light-green leaves and stems

rusty foxglove

Digitalis ferruginea

Rusty Foxglove (Digitalis ferruginea) is a stunning garden specimen with magnificent bubblegum-pink petals speckled in gold. The tallest of the Foxgloves, it stands up to 6 feet tall with pretty foliage that forms an elegant skirt around the flower spikes. Its nectar-rich blooms attract bumblebees and other pollinators to the garden. When in bloom, Rusty Foxglove makes a showy addition to any flower bed or border, adding texture and color to the landscape. Its long-blooming flowers last for weeks, needing minimal care to put on a splendid display. Rust-resistant and deer-resistant, this is a must-have for any garden!

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Creamy yellow to pale golden brown with rusty interior veining Flowers

Sun:

Part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,gray,gray

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Poisonous To Humans:

Yes

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Rusty foxglove should be watered regularly as needed. Generally, it should be watered enough to keep the soil lightly moist but not wet or soggy. Depending on your local climate and temperature, you may need to water your rusty foxglove anywhere from twice a week to once every 1-2 weeks. As a general rule, it is best to wait until the soil has started to dry out before watering again. Be sure to check the soil moisture before watering. In warmer climates you may need to water more often while in cooler climates you may need to water less often.

sunlight

Rusty foxglove (Digitalis ferruginea) thrives in sunny, warm conditions. It generally prefers to be in full sunlight for between 6 and 8 hours per day. However, it can tolerate slightly less sunlight, although this may cause the plant to flower less. Additionally, rusty foxglove should be kept out of strong winds or hot, direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day, which is generally between 11am and 4pm. When grown in a garden, Rusty Foxglove is most successful when planted in a sunny spot that is protected from strong winds.

pruning

Rusty foxglove should be pruned back in late autumn after flowering has finished. As this plant will reach a height of up to 3 feet, the pruning should be done selectively. Begin by cutting back any dead and damaged stems. Next, remove any stems which do not appear to be in good health. Additionally, it is best to thin the stems that have grown too close, as this will help facilitate better air flow and light penetration. Finally, cut back any stems that are protruding outside of the general form of the shrub; this will help to keep it looking neat and tidy.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Digitalis ferruginea typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Digitalis ferruginea typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map