perennial

Common Foxglove Snow Thimble

Digitalis purpurea 'Snow Thimble'

The Story

Plant Bio

Digitalis purpurea 'Snow Thimble' is a perennial biennial plant featuring tall spikes of tubular, bell-shaped flowers with a pure white coloration, complemented by lush, rosette-forming foliage.

This cultivar is a dwarf variety distinguished by its abundant spikes of pure white, bell-shaped flowers.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides vertical interest with vibrant purple flowers, attracts pollinators, and enhances cottage or traditional garden styles.
Practical UsesPrefers moist, well-drained soil, tolerates wet conditions, and is relatively low-maintenance.
Ecological BenefitsSupports bees and hummingbirds, contributing to local biodiversity.
SpeciesDigitalis purpureaFoxglove

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moist

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Biennial

Native To

Europe

Toxicity

All parts are highly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring – Late fall

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
  2. Keep soil consistently moist during growing season.
  3. Provide partial shade in hotter climates.
  4. Stake tall varieties for support.
  5. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming.
  6. Mulch around base to retain moisture.

Pro Tip

Sow seeds indoors 6 weeks before last frost for earlier blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
  • Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
  • Deadhead to prolong flowering

Don't

  • Allow soil to dry out completely ❌
  • Overfertilize, which can cause leggy growth
  • Expose to harsh afternoon sun in hot climates ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Plant
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vertical accent in cottage gardenPollinator-friendly border

Companion Plants

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Common Foxglove Snow Thimble questions

What zones can Common Foxglove Snow Thimble grow in?

Common Foxglove Snow Thimble is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Common Foxglove Snow Thimble deer resistant?

Yes — Common Foxglove Snow Thimble is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Common Foxglove Snow Thimble bloom?

Common Foxglove Snow Thimble typically blooms in late spring through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Common Foxglove Snow Thimble need full sun?

Common Foxglove Snow Thimble does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Keep exploring

Grow Common Foxglove Snow Thimble with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.