Rusty Gigantea Foxglove (Digitalis ferruginea) is one of the most distinctive and architectural members of the foxglove family, producing tall, stately flower spikes densely packed with hundreds of small tubular blossoms in unique shades of rusty bronze, golden tan, creamy yellow, and soft brown. The intricate flowers resemble tiny orchids and create an elegant, almost exotic appearance unlike any other foxglove. Blooming in early to midsummer above handsome dark green foliage, Rusty Gigantea adds dramatic vertical interest while attracting a remarkable number of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Garden Uses:

Rusty Gigantea Foxglove is an outstanding choice for perennial borders, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, naturalized landscapes, woodland edges, and architectural garden designs. Its tall flower spikes provide exceptional vertical accents among delphiniums, lupines, ornamental grasses, echinacea, salvias, yarrow, and Shasta daisies. The unusual bronze-colored flowers also make long-lasting additions to fresh and dried floral arrangements.

Growing Information:

Sow seeds on the surface of moist growing medium, as light aids germination. Maintain temperatures between 65-70°F and keep evenly moist until germination, which generally occurs within 14-21 days. Transplant carefully after seedlings develop several true leaves. Plants perform best in full sun to partial shade with fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Water regularly during establishment, but mature plants become moderately drought tolerant. Remove spent flower spikes after blooming unless seed production or natural reseeding is desired.

Pollinator Value:

The nectar-rich tubular flowers are highly attractive to honeybees, native bees, bumblebees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Because the flowers open progressively from the bottom upward, the blooming period extends for several weeks, providing an important nectar source during midsummer when pollinator activity is at its peak.

Natural Garden Benefits:

Rusty Gigantea provides excellent vertical structure while supporting a wide variety of beneficial pollinating insects. The tall flower spikes create habitat for beneficial insects, while the plants are generally resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits. Once established, they require little maintenance and often gently naturalize through self-sowing without becoming invasive.

Historical Significance:

Native to southeastern Europe and western Asia, Digitalis ferruginea has long been admired in botanical gardens for its unusual flower color and elegant growth habit. Unlike the familiar purple foxglove, this species offers a more refined and architectural appearance that became especially popular in English gardens during the nineteenth century. Although related to medicinal foxgloves, it is primarily grown today for its exceptional ornamental value.

Interesting Facts:

The species name ferruginea means "rust-colored," referring to the distinctive bronze-brown coloration of its flowers. Mature plants often produce flower spikes carrying well over one hundred individual blossoms. Like all foxgloves, every part of the plant contains naturally occurring cardiac glycosides and should never be consumed.

Seedman Notes:

Rusty Gigantea is one of the most unusual foxgloves we offer and a favorite among gardeners looking for something beyond the traditional pink and purple varieties. Its elegant bronze flower spikes provide outstanding height, remarkable pollinator activity, and a sophisticated appearance that fits beautifully into both formal and naturalistic perennial gardens. Once established, it is a dependable, long-lived garden performer.

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Strawberry Foxglove (Digitalis × mertonensis) is one of the most beautiful and distinctive foxglove hybrids ever introduced, combining the vigor of the common foxglove with the rich coloring of rusty foxglove. Tall, stately flower spikes are covered with large, outward-facing, strawberry-rose blossoms that glow with warm coppery undertones and speckled throats. Blooming from late spring into early summer, this remarkable perennial creates an elegant vertical accent in the garden while attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its unique flower color, exceptional hardiness, and long bloom period have made Strawberry Foxglove a favorite among collectors and cottage gardeners alike.

Garden Uses:

Strawberry Foxglove is an excellent choice for perennial borders, cottage gardens, woodland edges, pollinator gardens, English-style landscapes, and naturalized plantings. The tall flower spikes blend beautifully with delphiniums, lupines, peonies, campanulas, salvia, Shasta daisies, ornamental grasses, and old-fashioned roses. They also make outstanding cut flowers, adding height and elegance to fresh floral arrangements.

Growing Information:

Sow seeds on the surface of moist growing medium, as light aids germination. Maintain temperatures between 65-70°F and keep evenly moist until germination, which generally occurs within 14-21 days. Plants thrive in full sun in cooler climates or light afternoon shade in warmer regions. Rich, moist, well-drained soil produces the strongest plants and tallest flower spikes. Water regularly during dry periods and remove spent flower stalks after blooming unless seed production or natural reseeding is desired. Plants often behave as short-lived perennials but may gently self-seed in favorable locations.

Pollinator Value:

The large tubular flowers are highly attractive to bumblebees, honeybees, native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Their extended flowering period provides abundant nectar throughout late spring and early summer, making Strawberry Foxglove one of the finest pollinator plants for partially shaded perennial gardens.

Natural Garden Benefits:

Strawberry Foxglove provides dramatic vertical structure while supporting a wide range of beneficial pollinating insects. Its sturdy flower spikes create lasting architectural interest, and the plants are generally resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits. Once established, they require little maintenance beyond occasional watering during extended dry spells.

Historical Significance:

Digitalis × mertonensis was developed at the famous John Innes Horticultural Institution in Merton, England, during the early twentieth century by crossing Digitalis purpurea with Digitalis ferruginea. The result was an exceptional hybrid that combined the large flowers of the common foxglove with the warm bronze and strawberry tones of the rusty foxglove. Today it remains one of the finest ornamental foxglove hybrids available.

Interesting Facts:

The species name "mertonensis" honors the Merton district of London where the hybrid was developed. Its unusual strawberry coloring is unlike that of any naturally occurring foxglove species, giving the flowers an almost velvety appearance. Like all foxgloves, every part of the plant contains naturally occurring cardiac glycosides and should never be consumed.

Seedman Notes:

Strawberry Foxglove is one of the most elegant foxgloves we offer and a personal favorite for cottage gardens. The soft strawberry-colored blooms are simply breathtaking when planted in groups, and the plants attract an incredible number of bumblebees throughout the blooming season. For gardeners seeking something beyond the traditional purple foxglove, this remarkable hybrid offers outstanding beauty and dependable performance.

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Soft White Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea 'Alba') is a graceful heirloom perennial producing tall, elegant spires of pristine creamy-white, bell-shaped flowers with delicately speckled throats. Blooming from late spring through early summer, the luminous blossoms rise above handsome rosettes of deep green foliage and bring a sense of refinement and tranquility to the garden. Their pure white color brightens shady borders, woodland gardens, and cottage landscapes while attracting an abundance of beneficial pollinators. Elegant, dependable, and timeless, Soft White Foxglove remains one of the finest white flowering perennials available.

Garden Uses:

Soft White Foxglove is an exceptional addition to cottage gardens, woodland borders, perennial beds, pollinator gardens, moon gardens, and naturalized landscapes. The tall flower spikes create striking vertical accents among hostas, ferns, astilbes, delphiniums, columbines, peonies, Shasta daisies, and ornamental grasses. The elegant blooms also make beautiful cut flowers for fresh arrangements, adding height and sophistication indoors.

Growing Information:

Sow seeds on the surface of moist growing medium, as light is required for germination. Maintain temperatures between 65-70°F and keep evenly moist until seedlings emerge, usually within 14-21 days. Plants perform best in full sun in cooler climates or partial shade in warmer regions. Rich, moist, well-drained soil encourages vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Remove spent flower spikes after blooming to encourage strong basal growth, or allow plants to self-seed naturally for future displays. Individual plants are generally biennial or short-lived perennials, but they often maintain themselves through gentle reseeding.

Pollinator Value:

The large tubular flowers are highly attractive to bumblebees, honeybees, native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Their nectar-rich blossoms provide an important food source during late spring and early summer, while the tall flower spikes serve as valuable pollinator magnets throughout the blooming season.

Natural Garden Benefits:

Soft White Foxglove supports a wide range of beneficial pollinating insects while providing dramatic vertical structure in shaded and partially shaded gardens. The plants are generally resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits, and their ability to gently self-seed allows beautiful naturalized colonies to develop over time without becoming invasive.

Historical Significance:

Digitalis purpurea has been cultivated in European gardens for hundreds of years and became one of the defining flowers of Victorian cottage gardens. White-flowered forms such as 'Alba' were especially prized for their elegance and ability to brighten shaded landscapes. Beyond their ornamental value, foxgloves played a historic role in medicine through the discovery of digitalis compounds used in modern heart treatments, although every part of the plant remains highly poisonous if ingested.

Interesting Facts:

The species name purpurea refers to the wild purple flower color, even though this selection blooms in pure white. The tubular blossoms are perfectly designed for bumblebees, which crawl deep inside the flowers while pollinating them. During twilight and moonlit evenings, the brilliant white flower spikes appear to glow, making this one of the finest plants for moon gardens.

Seedman Notes:

Soft White Foxglove is one of our favorite white flowering perennials because of its elegant appearance and outstanding garden performance. The tall white spires provide a cooling contrast among colorful summer flowers while attracting countless pollinators. Whether planted in woodland settings, cottage gardens, or formal perennial borders, this classic heirloom brings timeless beauty to every landscape.

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Dwarf Vanilla Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is a compact, free-flowering selection that combines the timeless beauty of traditional foxgloves with a more manageable size, making it ideal for today's gardens and containers. Graceful spikes of creamy vanilla-white blossoms, often delicately speckled within the throats, rise above neat rosettes of rich green foliage from late spring through early summer. The elegant flowers provide outstanding vertical interest while attracting a remarkable variety of pollinators, bringing classic cottage garden charm to even the smallest landscapes.

Garden Uses:

Dwarf Vanilla Foxglove is perfect for perennial borders, cottage gardens, woodland gardens, pollinator plantings, patio containers, raised beds, and foundation borders. Its compact stature allows it to fit beautifully into smaller spaces where full-sized foxgloves would be overwhelming. It combines wonderfully with campanulas, columbines, hostas, astilbes, ferns, Shasta daisies, salvia, coral bells, and ornamental grasses. The flower spikes also make excellent additions to fresh-cut floral arrangements.

Growing Information:

Sow seeds on the surface of moist growing medium, as light is required for germination. Maintain temperatures between 65-70°F and keep evenly moist until seedlings emerge, usually within 14-21 days. Plants thrive in full sun in cooler climates or partial shade where summers are hot. Rich, well-drained soil with consistent moisture produces the strongest plants and best flowering. Remove spent flower spikes after blooming to encourage vigorous foliage growth, or allow seed heads to mature for gentle natural reseeding. Individual plants are generally biennial or short-lived perennials but often maintain themselves through volunteer seedlings.

Pollinator Value:

The nectar-rich tubular flowers are irresistible to bumblebees, honeybees, native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The blossoms are perfectly designed for large bees, which crawl deep into each flower while carrying pollen from bloom to bloom. The extended flowering period provides valuable nectar during late spring and early summer.

Natural Garden Benefits:

Dwarf Vanilla Foxglove provides excellent vertical interest without occupying excessive garden space. The plants are generally resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits, while their flowers support numerous beneficial pollinators. Their compact habit makes them especially valuable for small gardens, courtyard landscapes, and pollinator-friendly container displays.

Historical Significance:

Digitalis purpurea has been cultivated in European gardens since the Middle Ages and became one of the defining flowers of Victorian cottage gardens. Modern dwarf selections were developed to preserve the elegance and pollinator value of traditional foxgloves while producing shorter, sturdier plants better suited to contemporary landscapes. Like all foxgloves, this species played a major role in the discovery of digitalis compounds that revolutionized modern cardiac medicine.

Interesting Facts:

The creamy vanilla-colored flowers appear to glow in shaded gardens, making this variety especially effective in woodland settings and evening landscapes. Despite its compact size, Dwarf Vanilla Foxglove produces an impressive number of blossoms on each flower spike. Like all foxgloves, every part of the plant contains naturally occurring cardiac glycosides and should never be consumed.

Seedman Notes:

Dwarf Vanilla Foxglove is one of our favorite compact foxgloves because it offers all the charm of the classic species without requiring a large planting area. Its soft vanilla-white flower spikes brighten shady borders, attract countless bumblebees, and blend beautifully with nearly every perennial. It is an outstanding choice for gardeners who love foxgloves but have limited space available.

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Foxglove Excelsior Mix (Digitalis purpurea 'Excelsior Mix') is one of the finest and most spectacular foxglove strains ever developed, producing towering flower spikes lined with unusually large, outward-facing tubular blooms in a magnificent blend of lavender, rose, pink, cream, white, apricot, and soft pastel shades. Unlike traditional foxgloves, whose flowers hang downward, the Excelsior series displays its blossoms at a more horizontal angle, allowing the beautifully spotted interiors to be fully appreciated. Blooming from late spring through early summer, these elegant plants create breathtaking vertical displays while attracting countless bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Garden Uses:

Foxglove Excelsior Mix is an exceptional choice for cottage gardens, woodland borders, perennial beds, pollinator gardens, naturalized landscapes, and English-style gardens. The impressive flower spikes provide dramatic height among delphiniums, lupines, peonies, campanulas, columbines, roses, salvias, Shasta daisies, and ornamental grasses. Their long stems also make outstanding cut flowers, bringing elegance and height to fresh floral arrangements.

Growing Information:

Sow seeds on the surface of moist growing medium, as light is required for germination. Maintain temperatures between 65-70°F and keep evenly moist until seedlings emerge, usually within 14-21 days. Plants perform best in full sun in cooler climates or partial shade where summers are warm. Rich, moist, well-drained soil produces vigorous plants and abundant flower spikes. Remove spent blooms after flowering to encourage healthy basal growth, or allow seed heads to mature for natural reseeding. Plants generally behave as biennials or short-lived perennials but often establish long-lasting colonies through gentle self-seeding.

Pollinator Value:

The large nectar-filled blossoms attract bumblebees, honeybees, native bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and numerous beneficial insects. Because the flowers face outward rather than downward, they are especially accessible to pollinators while providing weeks of valuable nectar during late spring and early summer.

Natural Garden Benefits:

Foxglove Excelsior Mix provides outstanding vertical structure while supporting an abundance of beneficial pollinators. The plants are generally resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits, and their ability to gently self-seed allows beautiful naturalized drifts to develop over time without becoming invasive. Their tall flower spikes also provide shelter for many beneficial garden insects.

Historical Significance:

The Excelsior strain was developed through careful selection to improve the traditional common foxglove by producing larger flowers that face outward, allowing gardeners to fully enjoy their beautifully spotted interiors. This improvement quickly made the Excelsior series one of the world's most admired foxglove strains and a favorite of English cottage gardens. Like all Digitalis purpurea, it also shares the historic legacy of providing compounds that led to important heart medications.

Interesting Facts:

The outward-facing blossoms distinguish the Excelsior series from ordinary foxgloves and create an almost spiral effect around each flower spike. Individual plants often produce hundreds of blossoms that open gradually from the bottom upward, extending the bloom period for several weeks. Like all foxgloves, every part of the plant contains naturally occurring cardiac glycosides and should never be consumed.

Seedman Notes:

Foxglove Excelsior Mix has long been one of our favorite foxglove selections because it combines outstanding flower size, beautiful color diversity, and improved flower presentation. The towering spikes become the centerpiece of any cottage or woodland garden while attracting an endless procession of bumblebees throughout the blooming season. It is truly one of the finest foxglove mixtures available from seed.

Quick Facts:

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