Foxglove

Foxglove also called digitalis is both perennial and bi-annual. There are several colors to choose from. They come in cream, pink, purple, white and yellow. Blooming from late Spring to mid-Summer.

Cutting back the flower spikes as soon as the blooms are fading will provide you with a second blooming.

These flowers for shade need a rich, humus well drained soil. You can divide in Spring or Fall if perennial and sow seed in Spring or Fall as well. The bi-annuals will self sow readily given the correct soil and moisture. When you sow these shade tolerant flowers they will establish themselves the first year then bloom the following spring. This is an evergreen, yeah!

Some species have flowers only on one side of the spike, with the flower drooping while others will flower around the spike and stick straight out. These shade tolerant flowers will grow to 6 feet, and should be planted 12 to 18 inches apart.

Strawberry foxglove flowers in Summer. Has 2 to 3 inch pink to rose color tubular flowers. This one is perennial with velvety leaves and evergreen.

Common digitals D.purpurea has woolly leaves with a spike to 5 feet. Colors are pink, purple, rust, white and yellow. Alba grows to 4 feet with white flowers. Apricot grows to 3 feet with apricot flowers.

Keep these shade lovers moist and don't forget to cut them back before they go to seed so you will have a second showing.