Dalmatian Purple Foxglove

Light Needs

Full Sun

(6+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

6-11 Inches

Mature Spread

1 Foot

Growing Zones

4 to 8

Fleuroselect Gold Medal Winner, Dalmation Purple Foxglove, Digitalis Purpurea 'Dalmatian Purple’, is an early-blooming wonder that starts with a rosette of thick, downy green foliage. In late May, tall, elegant spires measuring from 16 to 20 inches in height erupt from the mound. Other varieties of Foxglove bloom in mid to late summer, but the Dalmatian Purple Foxglove forms full, balloon-like buds that burst into striking, outward-facing, violet flowers by mid-June. These mystical flowers have deep-purple, fluted blooms with burgundy spotted throats and delicate lavender-ruffled edges. 

Dalmatian Purple Foxglove is an eclectic, colorful plant that attracts both hummingbirds and butterflies. It’s friendly to pollinators and provides early nectar. It is also critter resistant and can be grown in a variety of spaces. This variety of foxglove has a light, sweet fragrance and will be the focal point of any early summer garden. Foxglove is vulnerable to pests like aphids, thrips, mealybugs, whiteflies, and nematodes. Watch your foxglove for signs of distress brought on by garden pests.

Dalmatian Purple Foxglove Care

Your Dalmation Purple Foxglove should be planted in late winter or early spring. It will require regular watering, and should be kept moist but not saturated. Foxgloves are moderate feeders that perform their best when given consistent liquid fertilization. They need balanced, slightly acidic soil with good-drainage to thrive. An ideal pH for your foxglove is 7.0. This variety needs full sun in cooler climates, but can tolerate partial shade in the hottest regions.

Be sure to support your Dalmation Purple Foxglove and prevent their heavy heads from drooping with stakes or other support. To propagate your foxglove, it is best to let the flowers go to seed, then thin plants as they sprout the following spring. You can use pruning shears to cut back your foxglove when it has finished flowering. You should cut just above the leaves to stimulate fresh growth. 

Dalmatian Purple Foxglove Spacing

Foxglove looks especially striking when planted along fences, at the edges of woodland gardens, or in large containers. It pairs well with perennial shrubs like Heuchera or Gypsophila. It can be planted in a variety of containers and pots, but a gallon container is ideal. If you grow your foxglove in a container, make sure to provide adequate spacing between plants. At least 2 feet, center to center.

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