The Story
Plant Bio
Digitalis ferruginea, known as the Rusty Foxglove, is a tall perennial with lance-shaped, green foliage and striking spikes of tubular, orange to rust-colored flowers that attract pollinators.
This cultivar, Gigantea Gelbar Herold, is distinguished by its large, vibrant flower spikes and robust growth, making it particularly striking and suitable for creating focal points in the garden.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
36 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Prefers moderate humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Southern Europe
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested, handle with care
Bloom period
Late spring – Late summer
In flower about 4 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist, well-draining soil in early spring
- Keep soil consistently moist during active growth
- Provide partial shade in hotter climates for optimal flowering
- Stake tall varieties to prevent wind damage
- Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in early spring
- Deadhead spent flowers to promote rebloom
Pro Tip
Ensure soil stays moist and provide partial shade for best results.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Deadhead to encourage more blooms
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
Don't
- Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
- Don’t plant in full, harsh sun in hot climates
- Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive foliage
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup | ||||||||||||
| Stake |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Digitalis ferruginea Gigantea Gelbar Herold questions
What zones can Digitalis ferruginea Gigantea Gelbar Herold grow in?
Digitalis ferruginea Gigantea Gelbar Herold 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 Digitalis ferruginea Gigantea Gelbar Herold deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Digitalis ferruginea Gigantea Gelbar Herold, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Digitalis ferruginea Gigantea Gelbar Herold bloom?
Digitalis ferruginea Gigantea Gelbar Herold typically blooms in late spring through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Digitalis ferruginea Gigantea Gelbar Herold need full sun?
Digitalis ferruginea Gigantea Gelbar Herold does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Digitalis to compare
Common Foxglove
Digitalis purpurea 'Excelsior Group'
Arctic Fox Rose Foxglove
Digitalis purpurea 'Arctic Fox Rose'
Foxglove
Digitalis purpurea 'Mix'
Apricot Foxglove
Digitalis purpurea 'Apricot Beauty'
Yellow Foxglove
Digitalis lutea
Camelot Lavender Foxglove
Digitalis purpurea 'Camelot Lavender'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Grow Digitalis ferruginea Gigantea Gelbar Herold 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.