Spanish Foxglove

Spanish foxglove is the Spanish and Portuguese native Digitalis thapsi, a clump-forming perennial with wavy basal leaves and slender, branched flower stems. Its purple tubular flowers have a paler throat marked with red. ## Size and flowering The [Royal Horticultural Society profile for Digitalis thapsi](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/55541/digitalis-thapsi/details) gives a mature height of 0.5–1 m and spread of 0.1–0.5 m. The species forms a clump and has semi-evergreen foliage; its flowering stems are usually branched near the base. ## Garden conditions This species grows in full sun, partial shade, or full shade and tolerates chalk, clay, loam, or sandy soils, provided they are not very wet or very dry. A humus-rich site in partial shade is described as ideal. It suits informal and cottage gardens, wildlife gardens, and flower borders. The RHS lists H5 as a UK hardiness rating, not a USDA zone, and warns that the plant is toxic if eaten and toxic to pets. ## Maintenance Cut back the main flower spike as it fades to encourage flowering side shoots. Wear gloves when handling the plant, and keep it away from children and pets likely to chew it.