Digitalis, Genus, grandiflora, Species,
- Genus & species
large yellow foxglove
Europe (central France east to Turkey and the Caucasus; open woodland margins, rocky slopes, subalpine meadows)
Overview
Digitalis grandiflora (synonym D. ambigua) is an upright clumping herbaceous perennial in the plantain family (Plantaginaceae) reaching 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) tall with a spread of 12–18 inches (30–45 cm). This is a true perennial foxglove — longer-lived than the biennial D. purpurea — returning reliably for 3–5 years or more in favorable soil. Flowers are tubular pendant 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) long, pale creamy-yellow with light brown spotting and veining inside the throat, carried in one-sided racemes in June–July. The individual flowers are the largest among the perennial foxgloves, which the epithet 'grandiflora' (large-flowered) directly references. The basal rosette of medium green ovate to lance-shaped slightly-hairy leaves 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) long persists through winter in zone-4 and warmer gardens. Growth rate is moderate. Self-seeds moderately where soil conditions permit. Hardy to zone 3. All parts contain cardiac glycosides that produce serious cardiac and gastrointestinal symptoms if plant tissue is chewed or swallowed. The compact stature and smaller flower count per spike make this a more-contained garden presence than D. purpurea, which compensates for the lighter visual impact with reliable perennial persistence.
Native Range
Digitalis grandiflora is native to Europe, from central France east to Turkey and the Caucasus, where it occurs along open woodland margins, on rocky slopes, and in subalpine meadows.Suggested Uses
Grown in woodland borders, cottage gardens, and mixed borders at 12–18 inch (30–45 cm) spacing. The true perennial habit removes the biennial replacement cycle that other foxgloves require, which reduces the replanting labor in perennial borders. Pale yellow flower color complements blue, purple, and white flower companions in cooler-toned border schemes. Partial-shade positions under deciduous trees match the native-habitat light profile and support long-term persistence. The compact 24–36 inch stature fits smaller residential gardens where D. purpurea at 36–60 inches would overwhelm the bed. The cardiac-glycoside content in all plant parts means children-accessible garden areas merit siting consideration; positions behind other plantings or within fenced beds reduce contact and ingestion risk. Waterlogged soils and hot dry planting sites are not suitable given the moisture preferences and the cool-season bloom timing.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Bloom Information
One-sided racemes of tubular pendant pale creamy-yellow flowers 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) long with brown spotting inside the throat open in June–July. Bloom duration is 3–4 weeks. Cutting spent spikes can trigger a lighter secondary bloom flush in late summer where soil moisture supports continued growth.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pale creamy-yellow with light brown spotting and veining inside the throat; tubular pendant 1.5-2 inches long in one-sided racemesFoliage Description
Medium green, ovate to lance-shaped 6-10 inches long with slight hairiness; basal rosetteGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in partial shade to full sun in moist well-drained soil at pH 5.5–7.5, tolerating loam. Hardy to zone 3. The species tolerates more shade than most foxgloves, which places it among the shade-tolerant options in the genus. True perennial pattern: returns reliably for 3–5 years or more in well-drained soil without the biennial replacement cycle required by D. purpurea. Allowing some seed to set supports self-sowing, which builds colony size over time. Slugs can damage the basal rosette leaves in wet springs. All parts contain cardiac glycosides that produce serious cardiac and gastrointestinal symptoms if plant tissue is chewed or swallowed. No other serious pest or disease problems.Pruning
Spent flower spikes are removed after bloom to trigger a possible secondary flush and to limit excessive self-seeding. Some spikes are left in place when the gardener wants the colony to expand via seed. The semi-evergreen basal rosette persists through winter and is not cut back until late-winter cleanup.Pruning Schedule
Prune: August
summer
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons
