Digitalis purpurea 'Foxy Mix' is a charming biennial to short lived perennial producing a range of soft pastel blooms that are heavily speckled inside the bell including pink, cream, rose, and lavender. This strain is known for flowering in its first year from seed and for its more compact branching form compared to traditional foxgloves. The tubular flowers are especially attractive to pollinators, while the upright spires add vertical structure to cottage borders and naturalized plantings.
Height & Spread: 24 - 36 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to midsummer
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Well drained soil, tolerates a range of pH and fertility
Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers regular moisture during bloom
Deer Resistance: Unpalatable to deer due to toxicity
Native Status
This plant is not native to North America. It originates from Europe and has naturalized in many temperate regions, particularly along woodland edges and disturbed areas.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Visited by swallowtails, painted ladies, and other large butterflies attracted to the tall tubular flowers and open sunny settings.
Bees
- Frequently pollinated by bumblebees and long tongued solitary bees capable of accessing the deep corolla tubes.
Moths
- Evening blooming species and nocturnal moths such as sphinx moths are drawn to the pale hues and tubular structure for nectar.
Birds
- Goldfinches and other small seed eating songbirds may visit in fall if seed heads are left standing.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to allow for upright growth and adequate airflow between flowering stalks.
Landscape Placement
- Best used in borders, woodland edges, pollinator gardens, or as vertical accents among mixed perennials. Works well interspersed with grasses or early summer bloomers.
Companion Plants
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam' (Threadleaf Coreopsis) - A fine textured compact perennial with pale yellow blooms that highlight the soft tones of 'Foxy Mix'.
- Campanula persicifolia (Peachleaf Bellflower) - Spikes of soft blue or white bell shaped flowers that bloom concurrently and echo the foxglove form.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' (Wood Sage) - Deep purple spires provide contrast and attract pollinators in similar bloom windows.
- Achillea millefolium 'Paprika' (Yarrow) - Flat red flower clusters and feathery foliage offer a sturdy foreground to foxglove's upright form.
- Digitalis lutea (Straw Foxglove) - A smaller yellow flowering cousin that naturalizes easily and offers extended bloom time.