Common foxglove (Digitalis purpurea 'Candy Mountain')
Digitalis purpurea 'Candy Mountain' offers showy, bright pink spires peaking from May to July. A low-maintenance Common foxglove, ideal for borders.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Digitalis purpurea ‘Candy Mountain’, commonly known as Common foxglove, makes a dramatic vertical statement in the summer garden. This cultivar is valued for its unique, bright pink blossoms held on sturdy 3-4 foot spikes, providing exceptional architectural height. Although often grown as a biennial, it can persist for years through natural self-seeding, creating colonies of its distinctive, spotted flowers.
This plant thrives with adequate moisture, preferring rich, slightly acidic soil conditions often found in woodland margins or mixed borders. The structure of the flowering spire makes Digitalis purpurea ‘Candy Mountain’ an excellent focal point, peaking right as the rose season begins. Its structure and high nectar content guarantee attention from hummingbirds and bumblebees alike.
As a short-lived perennial or biennial, its life cycle dictates specific management if you wish to maintain its presence year after year. Plan for its initial year to produce only basal foliage, with spectacular bloom performance following in the second season.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Plantaginaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 3-4 ft
- Spread: 1-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: May to July
- Bloom Description: Pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium to wet
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Start Digitalis purpurea ‘Candy Mountain’ from seed sown directly outdoors in spring after the danger of frost has passed. Remember that this plant requires a full season (the first year) to develop its basal rosette of evergreen leaves before sending up the flowering spike the subsequent spring. Proper soil preparation is key: aim for average, medium consistency that is well-drained, moist, and rich in organic matter, ideally with slightly acidic pH.
Watering should be consistent; the soil must not be allowed to dry out, especially while establishing or setting buds. Digitalis purpurea ‘Candy Mountain’ requires little supplemental feeding if planted in organically rich soil, which naturally supports its need for moist conditions. Deadheading is optional but recommended for repeat performance.
If you want the plant to behave more like a perennial, cut the flower stalks back immediately after the initial bloom finishes to encourage a secondary flush of flowers. If you prefer naturalized drifts and reliable self-seeding, leave a few spikes standing to mature their seed, though spent spikes quickly look untidy. In winter, the basal rosette remains evergreen, providing welcome winter texture.
Landscape Uses
The towering flower spikes of the Common foxglove offer striking vertical contrast, making them essential players in cottage gardens and mixed perennial borders. They are particularly effective when placed against a dark background, such as an evergreen hedge or a shaded brick wall, which allows the bright pink of the Digitalis purpurea ‘Candy Mountain’ to truly pop.
Utilize their height to position them toward the back of borders, balancing out lower-growing spring bulbs or summer perennials. They excel in woodland settings where the filtered light mimics their preference for part shade conditions. Although they prefer ground planting, Digitalis purpurea ‘Candy Mountain’ can also perform well in large container plantings, provided excellent drainage is maintained.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Good Cut
Noteworthy Characteristics
Digitalis purpurea is a biennial foxglove that produces only a basal rosette of light green, oblong leaves in the first year from seed. Flowers are borne in the second year in terminal, one-sided racemes atop leafy, 2-4’ tall (infrequently to 5’) spires arising from the centers of the basal rosettes. Pendulous, 2-3” long, tubular, funnel-shaped, dark rose-pink to purple (sometimes white) flowers with purple and white spots inside are closely grouped along each spike. The specific cultivar, ‘Candy Mountain,’ features unique, upward-facing, bright pink blossoms. This late spring bloomer attracts hummingbirds, bumblebees, and other essential pollinators.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
- Drought
Potential Problems
Foliage health in the latter half of the season can suffer from powdery mildew and leaf spot if air circulation is poor or humidity is high. Ensure adequate spacing during planting to mitigate these fungal issues. Crowns are susceptible to rot if drainage is poor, especially over winter when the soil remains soggy. Monitor for aphids, mealy bugs, slugs, and Japanese beetles, treating minor infestations quickly with targeted sprays or hand removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Common foxglove suitable for?
Digitalis purpurea ‘Candy Mountain’ is reliably hardy across USDA Zones 4 through 9, making it versatile across much of the temperate gardening world.
How large does Digitalis purpurea ‘Candy Mountain’ grow?
This variety typically reaches a height between 3 and 4 feet, with a spread spanning 1 to 1.5 feet at maturity.
When does Common foxglove bloom?
The majestic bloom period for Digitalis purpurea ‘Candy Mountain’ generally occurs from May through July, showcasing its bright pink flowers.
What sun exposure does Digitalis purpurea ‘Candy Mountain’ need?
This plant performs best when situated in locations receiving full sun to light part shade, though it appreciates afternoon shade in the hottest climates.
Conclusion
The towering architecture and vibrant color offered by Digitalis purpurea ‘Candy Mountain’ make it an invaluable addition to any layered border design. By understanding its biennial nature and ensuring moist, well-drained soil, gardeners can easily cultivate this low-maintenance Common foxglove for years of seasonal drama. Check your local frost dates and plan to start your seeds early this spring to enjoy those signature pink spires next year.
Companion Planting
Foxgloves thrive alongside plants that appreciate similar soil moisture and light conditions, particularly those that complement their vertical profile. Consider pairing Digitalis purpurea ‘Candy Mountain’ with hostas or astilbes in shadier spots, as these contrast nicely with their basal foliage and enjoy rich soil. In areas receiving more sun, pair them with irises or peonies, whose earlier bloom times fill the space left once the foxglove foliage eventually declines in late summer. Proper spacing is vital to ensure adequate airflow, which helps prevent common foliar diseases.
Wildlife Benefits
The tubular, pendulous blossoms of the foxglove are perfectly shaped for accessing the nectar hidden deep inside, making them prime targets for hummingbirds in particular. Bumblebees also play a significant role in pollinating these flowers, ensuring the continuation of the species through vital seed production. Planting Digitalis purpurea ‘Candy Mountain’ helps support diverse insect life during the late spring and early summer transition period. While highly attractive to beneficial pollinators, be aware that all parts of the plant are toxic; this typically deters browsing mammals.
