Foxglove 'Candy Mountain Rose' Digitalis purpurea 'Candy Mountain Rose' (Candy Mountain Series)

Water

Foxglove should be watered deeply and thoroughly to ensure that the water reaches the roots. They prefer consistently moist soil, but it is crucial to allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. In general, watering once a week with approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant is appropriate, but this may need to be adjusted based on climate and weather conditions. During periods of drought or extreme heat, additional watering may be necessary. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to ensure the plant needs it.

Light

Foxgloves thrive in full sun to partial shade; however, in extremely hot climates, they benefit from some afternoon shade to protect them from the scorching sun. The ideal spot would provide morning sunlight and dappled shade in the afternoon. Ensuring they get at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight is important for vigorous growth and optimal flowering.

Temperature

Foxglove prefers moderate temperatures and can generally withstand a range between 40°F to 80°F. They can survive temporary dips below this range, down to about 30°F, but sustained cold or frost may damage the plant. Ideal growing conditions are between 60°F and 70°F, which encourages strong growth and vital blooms.

Pruning

Pruning foxglove is essential to promote continuous blooms and to maintain plant health by removing spent flower spikes, which encourages the plant to produce additional flowers. Prune immediately after the first flush of blooms starts to fade, typically in mid to late summer. Additionally, removing any damaged or diseased foliage as needed helps to prevent the spread of disease and pests. The best time for major pruning is after flowering has completed for the season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Foxglove 'Candy Mountain Rose' thrives in moist, well-drained soil with ample organic matter. A mix of equal parts loam, peat, and sand can create an ideal environment. The soil pH should be mildly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0, to support optimum growth and flowering.

Repotting

Foxglove 'Candy Mountain Rose' is a biennial or short-lived perennial and does not require frequent repotting. It is usually sown directly in the garden or started in containers and transplanted. If started in pots, only repot if the plant outgrows its current container, which is unlikely within its short lifespan.

Humidity & Misting

Foxglove 'Candy Mountain Rose' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate a range of humidity conditions typical of outdoor environments. Therefore, special humidity adjustments are generally not necessary when growing this plant.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, cool temps, well-draining soil for Foxglove indoors.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade; enrich soil with organic matter; water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  Foxglove 'Candy Mountain Rose' is suitable for USDA zones 4-9.

Life cycle

The Foxglove 'Candy Mountain Rose' begins its life as a seed, which once sown in spring or early summer, will germinate under the right conditions of warmth and moisture. After germination, the seedlings grow into a rosette of leaves during their first year, remaining in a vegetative state as a biennial. In its second year, the plant develops a tall flower spike adorned with tubular, bell-shaped pink to purple flowers that face upward, attracting pollinators such as bees. Following pollination, the flowers produce small capsule-like fruits containing numerous seeds. After seed dispersal typically in late summer or early fall, the plant completes its life cycle and dies, although it may self-seed and create new plants for the following seasons. The foliage then withers, and the plant remains dormant through the winter until the cycle begins anew with the emergence of new seedlings in the spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to summer

• The most popular method of propagation for Digitalis purpurea 'Candy Mountain Rose', commonly known as “Foxglove,” is by seed. Seeds can be sown directly into the garden in late spring or early summer, after the danger of frost has passed. Alternatively, for an earlier start, seeds can be sown indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost date. To sow, simply press the seeds gently onto the surface of a well-drained seed starting mix, as light aids germination, and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Germination usually occurs within 2 to 3 weeks at a temperature of 65-70°F (approximately 18-21°C). Once seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted to individual pots and later moved to their final position in the garden, ensuring they are spaced about 18 inches (45 cm) apart to accommodate their growth.