Purple Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

Hardy biennial with spikes of tubular purple flowers
Description: Spotted dark purple on the inside; flowers in late spring to early summer
Habit: Flower stalks grow to 3-5 feet high; broad basal leaves spread 18 to 24 inches
Culture: Prefers full sun to part shade and moist, rich, well-drained garden soils
Hardiness: Cold hardy to USDA Zone 4
Origin: Europe
Attributes: Deer resistant, Attracts bees

Both white and purple Foxgloves were grown in American gardens by 1735, and likely became more common after their medicinal properties were discovered in the late eighteenth century. Native to Europe, they have escaped from gardens in some areas of the United States. John Custis of Williamsburg noted growing the White Foxglove in the 1740's. Both purple and white forms were included in the list of plants offered by Philadelphia nurseryman Bernard McMahon in 1804. Digitalis purpurea is a source of the drug digitalis, used for heart ailments. Please NOTE: all parts of this plant are highly poisonous to humans (deer avoid this plant).

Purple Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is is considered an invasive plant in the following state: CA.

Purple Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) arrives in a 3.5" pot.