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Digitalis thapsi
Spanish Foxglove
Iberian Peninsula (central and western Spain and Portugal)
At a Glance
TypePerennial
HabitUpright
FoliageSemi-evergreen
Height18-30 inches (45-75 cm)
Width12-15 inches (30-38 cm)
Maturity2 years
Key Features
Maintenancelow
Overview
Digitalis thapsi is a compact, true perennial foxglove species native to the Iberian Peninsula that grows 18–30 inches (45–75 cm) tall and 12–15 inches (30–38 cm) wide. Soft pink to rose-pink tubular bell flowers 1.5 inches (4 cm) long with darker spotted throats appear on one-sided spikes in May and June — blooming slightly earlier than D. purpurea. The species is a true perennial, returning from the crown for 3–5 years, unlike the biennial D. purpurea. The compact stature is shorter than both D. purpurea and D. grandiflora, making it suited to smaller gardens and front-to-mid border positions. Gray-green, hairy, lance-shaped leaves form a semi-evergreen basal rosette. The Iberian origin gives this species greater drought tolerance and a preference for lean, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil — conditions that would kill moisture-loving D. purpurea. D. thapsi is one of the parent species of the hybrid D. x mertonensis. The species name honors the 16th-century botanist Petrus Matthiolus's reference to Thapsia. All parts contain cardiac glycosides and are toxic if ingested. Deer avoid the foliage.
Native Range
Digitalis thapsi is native to the Iberian Peninsula, primarily central and western Spain and Portugal. It grows on dry, rocky hillsides, open scrubland, and road cuts on calcareous and siliceous soils.Suggested Uses
Used in Mediterranean-style gardens, dry borders, and rock gardens where the compact, drought-tolerant, perennial habit solves multiple limitations of standard foxgloves. Container culture in pots of 3 gallons (11 liters) or more. The compact size suits small gardens. Keep from children and pet areas.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'6"
Width/Spread1' - 1'3"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Flowering in May and June, approximately 4 weeks — slightly earlier than D. purpurea. Pink bells open from the base upward. Removing the spent spike may promote a smaller secondary bloom.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Soft pink to rose-pink with darker spotted throatsFoliage Description
Gray-green, hairy, lance-shapedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-10 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
Plant in full sun to partial shade with 5–10 hours of light. Well-drained, lean soil; tolerates drier conditions than standard foxgloves. Do not overwater. Cut spent spikes to the basal rosette. The perennial crown returns for 3–5 years. All parts toxic.Pruning
Cut spent flower spike to the basal rosette. Leave the rosette intact through winter.Pruning Schedule
J
F
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M
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summer
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons