Digitalis — 8 species

Digitalis — the foxgloves — are biennial or short-lived perennials whose tall flower spikes, in shades of cream, yellow, rusty-orange, and soft pink (as in cultivars like Camelot Cream), bring structure to cottage borders and shaded woodland edges. They grow best in partial sun with reliably moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil; water at the base every five to seven days when the top inch dries out, and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal disease. Every part of every Digitalis species contains potent cardiac glycosides and is highly toxic to cats and dogs — even small quantities can cause life-threatening heart arrhythmias.