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Perennials
Digitalis lutea
yellow foxglove
Plantaginaceae
Central and southern Europe, from Spain east through Alps and Balkans to western Turkey
At a Glance
TypePerennial
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height24-36 inches (60-90 cm)
Width12-18 inches (30-45 cm)
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
3 - 8Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy
Key Features
Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Maintenancelow
Overview
A clump-forming perennial in the family Plantaginaceae, native to woodland edges and scrub in central and southern Europe. Plants form a basal rosette of lance-shaped, dark green, glossy leaves 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) long. In summer, slender, upright flower spikes rise 24–36 inches (60–90 cm), bearing rows of small, tubular flowers 0.75–1 inch (2–2.5 cm) long in soft pale yellow to cream, sometimes with faint brownish interior spotting. Flowers are arranged in a one-sided raceme opening from the base upward. Unlike the common foxglove (D. purpurea), which is biennial, D. lutea behaves as a true, long-lived perennial, persisting reliably for many years with minimal care. It self-seeds modestly, producing manageable colonies over time. All parts are toxic. Plants tolerate partial shade and a wider range of soil conditions than most foxgloves. Hardiness to zone 3 makes it one of the most cold-tolerant Digitalis species.
Native Range
Native to woodland edges, scrub, and open rocky slopes in central and southern Europe, from northern Spain and France east through the Alps, Apennines, and Balkans to western Turkey. Grows in well-drained, moderately fertile soils in partial shade to full sun at elevations from sea level to approximately 5,000 feet (1,500 m).Suggested Uses
Planted in woodland gardens, shaded borders, and naturalized areas at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing. Effective in combination with ferns, hostas, and shade-tolerant perennials. More restrained in size and self-seeding than D. purpurea, making it better suited to smaller gardens. The slender, pale flower spikes provide vertical interest without overpowering neighboring plants.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Colors
Flower Colors
yellow
cream
Foliage Colors
green
Fall Foliage Colors
no change
Bloom Information
Bloom Period
~4 weeksJ
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Summer
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pale yellow to creamFoliage Description
dark green, glossyGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Full Sun
Partial Shade
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
Soil Requirements
pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysand
Drainage
well drained
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Medium
Frost Tolerance
hardy
Time to Maturity
1-2 years
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in partial shade to full sun in well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a pH of 5.5–7.0. Tolerates clay soils better than most foxgloves. Water during establishment; established plants tolerate moderate dry periods. Avoid waterlogged conditions. Do not over-fertilize — rich soils produce lush foliage but fewer flowers. Allow plants to self-seed around the planting area to build a naturalized colony. Remove the basal rosette clump every 4–5 years if it becomes congested; divide and replant in spring. Handle with gloves — all parts are toxic on contact with mucous membranes.Pruning
Cut spent flower spikes back to the basal rosette after bloom; leave one or two spikes to self-seed if naturalizing is desired. Do not cut back the basal rosette during the growing season. Remove dead leaves from the rosette in early spring. Plants rarely need division; clumps remain productive for many years without intervention.Pruning Schedule
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early springsummer