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Foxglove Camelot Mix (Digitalis) — garden perennial

Foxglove Camelot Mix

Digitalis

$6.0032 in stock

Digitalis (Foxglove) Care Guide

Dramatic tall spikes of tubular flowers that add vertical interest and attract hummingbirds.

perennial part-shade pollinator cottage-garden cut-flower

Overview

Digitalis (Digitalis purpurea and hybrids), commonly called Foxglove, produces statuesque spikes of tubular, spotted flowers in early summer. The Camelot Mix offers a range of colors — cream, lavender, pink, and purple — on plants reaching 4–5 feet. Often grown as a biennial (blooms in year 2) but self-seeds reliably, creating a perpetual colony. The Camelot series is bred for perennial behavior.

Sun & Exposure

  • Ideal: Part shade with morning sun
  • Tolerated: Full sun in cool climates with adequate moisture; deep shade reduces flowering
  • Dappled light under tall trees is ideal

Watering

Prefers consistently moist soil, especially during active growth.

  • Water regularly; do not allow to dry out completely
  • Mulch to retain soil moisture
  • More drought tolerant once established, but performs best with consistent moisture

Soil & Planting

  • Rich, humus-rich, well-draining soil
  • Slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5–6.5)
  • Plant in spring or fall; space 18–24 inches apart
  • Work compost in generously at planting time

Fertilizing

  • Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring
  • Top-dress with compost annually

Pruning & Deadheading

  • After the main spike finishes, cut it back to the basal rosette — side shoots will develop and produce secondary spikes
  • Allow some spikes to set seed if you want self-seeding to continue the colony
  • Remove entire plants after they finish their lifecycle (typically after year 2)

Winter Care

Hardy in zones 4–9 as a biennial or short-lived perennial. The basal rosette overwinters and blooms in year 2. Mulch lightly in colder zones.

Common Issues

Problem

Crown rot

Cause

Overly wet or poorly drained soil

Problem

Aphids on flower spikes

Cause

Common; blast off with water or use insecticidal soap

Problem

Failure to bloom in year 1

Cause

Normal biennial behavior — blooms in year 2

Problem

Short lifespan

Cause

Normal; relies on self-seeding for continuity

Tips

  • All parts of Digitalis are toxic — wear gloves and wash hands after handling
  • Hummingbirds and bumblebees are primary pollinators
  • Spectacular as a cut flower — harvest when the lowest third of the spike is open
  • Plant in drifts for the most dramatic effect
  • Self-seeds freely; thin seedlings in fall or spring