The early summer-flowering Rusty Foxglove is native to southeastern Europe, Turkey, and Lebanon, and documented in the 16th-century British herbals of Parkinson and Gerard. Philadelphia nurseryman Bernard McMahon listed it as "Iron-coloured Fox-glove" in The American Gardener's Calendar (1806) and he sold it by 1810. The plant sends tall flowering spikes above its dark, evergreen foliage, and bears showy, golden-brown flowers with unusual rusty-brown veining.
Sow seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost date around 68 degrees F. Transplant to 3" pots once they have several true leaves, then harden off and transplant outdoors after last frost. Approximately 130 seeds per packet.
Details
Genus | Digitalis |
---|---|
Species | ferruginea |
USDA Zones | 4 - 8 |
Exposure | Full Sun to Light Shade | Planting Method | Transplant | Planting Depth | Surface sow |
Days to Emerge | 7 - 20 |
Plant Spacing | 1' apart |
Habit | 3 - 4' H |