A Foxglove for Every Garden

In the case of Digitalis x mertonensis, the plants usually last an extra year or possibly two but seem to demand frequent division to stay vigorous. The basal rosette is a darker green and of a more substantial nature with thicker, rougher foliage, and the flowers themselves are of a coarser texture. These short and dumpy plants produce blooms of what I consider to be a muddy pink. The bloom color is described by some as "coppery", by others as "coppery rose" and by others as akin to "crushed strawberries"; by a daring few it is even termed "red" but in my garden it was an ugly dull pink if there is such a thing as an ugly pink. All in all, I don't think this is a plant worth growing -- especially not in a garden where time or space is tight, but I'm sure there are those who would argue the point so you might wish to try a few and see what you think for yourself. (Be sure to let me know what you decide!)

If you are looking for a "different" foxglove, you might try the softly hued and rather tall "Apricot Blush" which positively glows in the softer light of early evening, or perhaps the wider color range found in the very tall "Glittering Prizes" would work its magic in your garden. Or perhaps the soft glistening yellow of "Primrose Carousel", a new dwarf form from Thompson and Morgan with flowers all around the stem. This last, as with other short foxgloves should do well without staking unless your garden is truly windswept.

In any case, every garden cries out for foxgloves, and so should you. Enjoy!

For details about foxglove care and culture: