Also known as Foxglove · 1.9k saves
Digitalis
Digitalis, the genus most gardeners know as foxglove. We track 31 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Digitalis varieties
See all 31 Digitalis varieties →Search this genus →
5 species of Digitalis
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Digitalis in Sow
Save the Digitalis you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Digitalis
Whats common across all Digitalis varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 31 most-grown of them.
The Digitalis year
- DeadheadJune and July90% of varieties
Remove the main spent spike to encourage side blooms or prevent self-seeding
- Spring CleanupFebruary77% of varieties
Remove dead or damaged foliage from the basal rosette
- PropagateJuly and August55% of varieties
Allow some spikes to set seed for naturalizing or next year's plants
- PlantMarch, April and September48% of varieties
Plant starts in spring after danger of hard frost has passed
- StakeApril and May48% of varieties
Stake tall flower spikes before they open if in a windy location
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t disturb roots during flowering
- Do not allow soil to dry out completely
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Digitalis
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Curling leaves and sticky residue | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Slugs | Irregular holes in leaves | Use organic slug bait or handpick at night |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply copper fungicide |
| Root Rot | Wilting despite adequate watering | Ensure proper drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply organic fungicide or improve air circulation |
Making more Digitalis
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist during germination, 2–3 weeks.
- Thin seedlings to spacing of 12 inches after emergence.
Cuttings
- Select healthy stem cuttings in late spring.
- Dip cut ends in rooting hormone and plant in moist soil.
- Maintain humidity and water regularly for 6 weeks.
Digitalis questions
How many types of Digitalis are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 31 distinct Digitalis varieties. The most popular — ranked by 1.9k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Digitalis grow in?
Across its varieties, Digitalis covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Digitalis bloom?
Most Digitalis varieties bloom in late spring to early summer, late spring to summer, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Digitalis should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.