Sunset Foxglove

Sunset Foxglove is Digitalis obscura, a woody perennial with narrow, willow-like gray-green leaves and pendulous orange-yellow flowers marked with red inside. North Carolina Extension lists it at 24–36 inches tall and 9–18 inches wide, with a USDA range of 4a–8b for the species; see its [plant profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/digitalis-obscura/common-name/willow-leaf-foxglove/). ## Flowers and foliage Tubular blooms appear in spring and early summer on upright stems, and the plant may flower again after spent spikes are removed. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds visit the flowers. Its warm-toned blooms and fine foliage suit a border, cottage garden, pollinator planting, woodland edge, or naturalized area. ## Growing conditions Grow in full sun or partial shade in gritty, well-drained soil. This foxglove tolerates several soil textures but not wet clay; water deeply but not too frequently and avoid winter-wet sites. North Carolina Extension also lists drought resistance and zones 4a–8b. ## Maintenance Remove spent spikes to encourage a possible second flush, or leave a few to self-seed. All parts of the plant are poisonous, and the extension profile rates its toxicity as high, so avoid placing it where children could ingest plant material.