perennial

Sunset Foxglove

The Story

Plant Bio

A short-lived, shrubby perennial or sub-shrub with woody stems. It forms a rosette of narrow, leathery, dark green leaves.

Unique among foxgloves for its woody habit and unusual rusty orange to coppery-red tubular flowers with netted venation inside. It is very drought tolerant and thrives in poor, dry soils.

Uses & Benefits:

Digitalis obscura offers striking vertical spikes of silvery foliage and bell-shaped flowers, adding elegance to shaded and woodland gardens.

Provides natural pest deterrents with its toxic foliage, but handle with care.

Supports pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds, enhancing garden biodiversity.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Spain and Northwest Africa

Toxicity

Highly toxic if ingested

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring for best germination.
Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and encourage rooting.
Transplant seedlings when they are strong and have developed several leaves.
Fertilize with a balanced, organic fertilizer during active growth.
Divide mature plants in early spring or fall to promote healthy growth.
Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Use well-draining, slightly acidic soil to enhance growth and flowering.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
Prune spent flower stalks to encourage new blooms
Apply organic mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature

Don't

Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot ❌
Do not fertilize with high-nitrogen fertilizers during flowering
Refrain from disturbing roots during the growing season

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant border with silvery foliageVertical accent in shaded garden cornersWildflower meadow addition

Companion Plants

Salvia EchinaceaLavender CoreopsisYarrow

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sunset Foxglove questions

What zones can Sunset Foxglove grow in?

Sunset Foxglove is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Sunset Foxglove deer resistant?

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

When does Sunset Foxglove bloom?

Sunset Foxglove typically blooms in late spring to mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Sunset Foxglove need full sun?

Sunset Foxglove does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Sunset Foxglove drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Sunset Foxglove handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.