perennial

Arctic Fox Rose Foxglove

Digitalis hybrida 'Artic Fox Rose'

The Story

Plant Bio

Digitalis, or foxgloves, are classic cottage garden plants known for their tall, dramatic spires of tubular, bell-shaped flowers, which are highly attractive to pollinators.

'Arctic Fox Rose' is an interspecific hybrid, making it a true perennial that is more reliably hardy and longer-lived than many biennial foxgloves. It produces sterile flowers, leading to a very long bloom time.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides strong vertical structure and classic cottage garden charm. The tall spires of soft rose-pink, speckled flowers are a focal point in the late spring and early summer garden.
Practical UsesIts long bloom time and sturdy stems make it an excellent and dramatic cut flower. Its perennial nature means less frequent replanting compared to biennial types.
Ecological BenefitsThe tubular flowers are perfectly shaped for and highly attractive to long-tongued bees, such as bumblebees, and hummingbirds, making it a superb pollinator plant.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Hybrid of European species

Toxicity

Highly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring – Mid-summer

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In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a site with full sun or light afternoon shade
  2. Ensure the soil is well-drained and enriched with compost
  3. Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the pot
  4. Gently place the plant in the hole, keeping the crown at soil level
  5. Backfill with soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly
  6. Provide consistent moisture, especially during the first year

Pro Tip

Being sterile, it won't self-seed. Deadhead the main spike after flowering to encourage side shoots and a longer bloom period.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Provide excellent drainage to prevent crown rot
  • Wear gloves when handling the plant as all parts are toxic
  • Deadhead spent flower spikes to promote more blooms
  • Provide afternoon shade in very hot climates

Don't

  • Do not ingest any part of the plant
  • Avoid planting in heavy, waterlogged soil
  • Do not let the plant dry out completely during its growing season
  • Don't expect it to self-seed like common biennial foxgloves

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Mulch
Pest Check
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vertical spires for cottage gardensMid-border accent plantLong-blooming cut flower source

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Arctic Fox Rose Foxglove questions

What zones can Arctic Fox Rose Foxglove grow in?

Arctic Fox Rose 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 Arctic Fox Rose Foxglove deer resistant?

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

When does Arctic Fox Rose Foxglove bloom?

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

Does Arctic Fox Rose Foxglove need full sun?

Arctic Fox Rose Foxglove does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Keep exploring

Grow Arctic Fox Rose Foxglove 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.