Digitalis purpurea 'Foxy Group', commonly known as 'Foxy' Foxglove, is a popular and versatile biennial or short-lived perennial that adds a classic, cottage garden charm to borders, wildflower meadows, and woodland edges. This cultivar is particularly known for its compact growth habit and its early flowering, which typically begins in its first year—a rare trait for foxgloves. 'Foxy' produces tall, elegant spikes of tubular flowers in a range of colours, including shades of white, pink, and purple, each beautifully spotted with darker speckles on the inside of the petals. These flowers rise above a rosette of soft, downy, green leaves, creating a striking vertical accent in the garden.
'Foxy Group' typically grows to a height of 60-90 cm (2-3 feet), making it shorter and more compact than traditional foxgloves, which makes it ideal for smaller gardens or for planting in the middle of borders. It thrives in well-drained, humus-rich soil and prefers a position in partial shade, though it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. This cultivar is hardy in the UK to RHS hardiness rating H6, meaning it can survive the coldest British winters down to around -15°C. While 'Foxy' foxgloves are relatively low-maintenance, they may benefit from deadheading to prolong the flowering period and encourage repeat blooms. The plant is highly attractive to pollinators, particularly bees, making it a valuable addition to any wildlife-friendly garden. However, it's important to note that all parts of Digitalis purpurea are toxic if ingested, so care should be taken when planting in gardens frequented by children or pets.
