Digitalis parviflora (Small-Flowered Foxglove)

Native to the Mediterranean region, Digitalis parviflora (Small-Flowered Foxglove) is a slender perennial rich in subtle charm. It produces tightly packed spires of chocolate flowers veined violet with a mahogany lower lip. Blooming from late spring to mid-summer, they arise from a basal rosette of downy, lance-shaped leaves and provide fascinating color and architectural height to borders.

Native to the Mediterranean region, Digitalis parviflora (Small-Flowered Foxglove) is a slender perennial rich in subtle charm. It produces tightly packed spires of chocolate flowers veined violet with a mahogany lower lip. Blooming from late spring to mid-summer, they arise from a basal rosette of downy, lance-shaped leaves and provide fascinating color and architectural height to borders. Attractive to bees, which hover near the tubular blossoms, and to birds which flock to the seedheads in the fall, this lovely plant naturalizes well and will create lovely colonies in the landscape.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 2 ft. high (60 cm) and spreads 1 ft. (30 cm).
  • Performs best in part shade, in humus-rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Will grow in almost any soil or situation except very wet or very dry. Deer resistant!
  • Easy to grow, this Foxglove is a welcomed addition to beds, borders, underplanting shrubs, cottage gardens, coastal gardens, or city gardens. For best visual impact, plant Floxgloves in groups of 3 to 4 plants.
  • No serious disease or pest issue, but watch for aphids, leaf spots, and powdery mildew
  • Cut back the main flower spike as it fades to encourage the growth of flowering side shoots.
  • Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in late spring or propagate by division in early spring
  • Highly toxic by ingestion. Wear gloves and wash your hands after handling.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses, toxic to humans.
  • Digitalis parviflora is endemic to northern and central Spain.

Requirements

Hardiness 4
– 8

Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Digitalis – Foxgloves
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Late)Summer (Early,Mid)
Height 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spread 10"
– 1'
(25cm
– 30cm)
Spacing 15″
– 18″
(37cm
– 45cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage