A native of southern Europe, the northern Mediterranean, Lebanon,the Balkans and Caucasus, rusty foxglove is a biennial or short lived perennial. Seeds planted in late spring give rise to a basal rosette of medium green oblong leaves that produces golden yellow-brown flowers in the second year. The ¾” to 1 ½’ long, bell-shaped flowers have reddish brown veins and are carried in terminal racemes two to three feet long. Self-seeds and can form attractive colonies.
Bloom: Golden yellow –brown flowers with reddish brown veins are carried on leafy spikes in early summer
Size: 3-5’ H x 1-1 ½ ‘ W
Light: Partial shade
Soil: Humus-rich, moisture retentive, well-drained, acid; must not be allowed to dry out.
Hardiness: Zones 4-7
Care: Remove flower stalk after flowering to encourage side shoots
Pests and Diseases: Susceptible to leaf spot, powdery mildew, aphids, mealy bugs, slugs, Japanese beetles, leaf and bud eelworms
Propagation: Seed sown in late spring, division in early spring
Companion plants: Woodland plants such as Japanese maple, hydrangea, columbines, ferns
Outstanding Selections:
‘Gelber herold’ (taller, with golden yellow flowers)
‘Gigantea’ (5’ tall, yellow-brown stiff spikes of flowrs)
Karen Meyers