Carillon Foxglove

Like the chimes dangling in a carillon’s tower, pearly white bell-shaped florets sway at the top of each of Carillon Foxglove’s emerald green stems. Protruding from a circle of 10-inch leaves, these towers of beige bells with tawny etchings inside, add height, color, and texture to beds and borders. Carillon Foxglove, otherwise known as Digitalis grandiflora 'Carillon', Dwarf Yellow Foxglove, and Great Yellow Foxglove ‘Carillon’, blooms in June. Yielding superb cut-flower quality blooms and foliage, these delicate towers of cream can be enjoyed both inside and out. Whether alone or added to daisies, roses, and peonies, Carillon Foxglove makes gorgeous bouquets. Pleasing pollinators as well, this perennial attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees.

Originating from Asia and Europe, Carillon Foxglove is an herbaceous perennial that grows in mounds. Reaching a maximum height of 12 to 15 inches and spread of 10 to 12 inches, this compact evergreen is drought tolerant and low maintenance. Unfavorable to the palates of deer and rabbits, this plant’s beautiful bells will remain untouched long after the gangs of mauling critters have run through your yard. Toxic to people and pets, however, take caution as to how you handle and where you plant this striking flower. 

Carillon Foxglove Care

With gloved hands, plant Carillon Foxglove in partial sun in loamy, moist soil that drains well. The soil’s pH should be in the range of 5.5 to 6.5. Amend the soil with peat moss/coco coir/perlite/sand if needed to improve the soil’s drainage ability and/or to improve its nutrient content. A typical perennial, this flowering plant requires about an inch of water per week. To prevent fungal disease; however, do a moisture check prior to watering. Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. Feed annually during the spring with a fertilizer that has less nitrogen than phosphorus and potassium. A fertilizer with less nitrogen will encourage the plant to focus its energy on flower production rather than plant growth.

In June, trim Carillon Foxglove spent flower stalks to encourage more blooms. To prepare for winter, cut back all of the stems and leave the remaining evergreen foliage in late fall.

Carillon Foxglove Spacing

Space Carillon Foxglove 10 to 18 inches apart. Plant it in beds, borders, and along banks. It fits perfectly into cottage and English gardens. Superb companion plants are columbines, ferns, hydrangea, roses, and poppies.

Carillon Foxglove Information