Willow-leaved foxglove Digitalis obscura

Water

For Willow-leaved Foxglove, it's important to maintain moderate moisture levels, watering deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry—typically, this may translate to watering once every week or two, depending on climate conditions. Use about one gallon of water per plant to ensure it reaches the deeper roots. Overwatering should be avoided, especially during the winter months when the plant requires less water. Adjust the watering frequency based on seasonal weather variations, watering more often during hot, dry periods and reducing during cooler, rainy seasons.

Light

Willow-leaved Foxglove thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location provides morning sunlight and afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, to protect it from the intense midday sun. Avoid deep shade as it can lead to poor flowering and a weak, leggy growth habit.

Temperature

Willow-leaved Foxglove prefers temperature conditions between 60°F and 80°F for optimal growth. It can tolerate a minimum temperature down to 30°F but is not frost-hardy, and temperatures over 90°F may stress the plant. The ideal temperature range offers a mild climate, reflecting its native mountainous habitat.

Pruning

Prune the Willow-leaved Foxglove after blooming by deadheading spent flowers to encourage further blooming and prevent self-seeding if not desired. Cut back foliage in the fall, after the plant has gone dormant, to help maintain tidiness. Pruning is generally done annually or as needed to remove dead or damaged stems and promote a compact, healthy growth form.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Sunset Foxglove should be well-draining and fertile with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 5.5 and 7.0. A mix containing loam, peat, and perlite or sand works well to provide the needed drainage and nutrient content.

Repotting

Sunset Foxglove, being a perennial, does not need frequent repotting. It is typically repotted every 2 to 3 years, and only when it has outgrown its current container or the soil is depleted.

Humidity & Misting

Sunset Foxglove prefers moderate humidity levels. It thrives best in outdoor conditions where natural humidity is present but can adapt to less humid environments as long as the soil moisture is maintained appropriately.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and water when top soil is dry.

• Outdoor

  Full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil, water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

The life of the Digitalis obscura, commonly known as Sunset Foxglove, begins with the germination of seeds sown in well-draining soil, preferably in late winter to early spring. Seedlings emerge and establish a basal rosette of leaves, which is the vegetative growth stage, during the first growing season. Following vegetative growth, it enters a period of vernalization over winter, which is essential for floral induction. In the second year, the plant bolts, sending up tall flower spikes adorned with tubular, reddish-orange flowers, marking the reproductive stage where pollination occurs, typically by bees and other insects. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules that release numerous tiny seeds when mature, ensuring the dispersal of the plant. Finally, the plant completes its life cycle by senescence and death after seed set, which can vary from a biennial to a short-lived perennial cycle, depending on environmental conditions.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-early summer

• Propogation: Digitalis obscura, commonly known as Sunset Foxglove, is most commonly propagated through seeds. The best time to sow these seeds is either in late winter or early spring to allow for a full season of growth. The process involves sowing the seeds on the surface of well-drained soil mix and lightly pressing them into the soil, as they need light to germinate. Once sown, they should be kept moist and ideally at a temperature range of 65-70°F (about 18-21°C). Germination can be expected in two to four weeks. Seedlings can later be transplanted outdoors after the risk of frost has passed and they've grown sufficiently to handle environmental stresses. The simplicity of seed propagation makes it the most popular method for increasing Sunset Foxglove numbers.