During different seasons, adjust the plant's position to ensure it receives adequate lighting. In the winter, when sunlight is less intense, move it to a sunnier spot; in summer, provide partial shade to protect it from harsh rays.

Spanish rusty foxglove (Digitalis obscura)

Also known as: Spanish shrub foxglove, Willow-leaved foxglove

The species can be identified by its uniquely vivid amber to copper-colored flowers, setting it apart from other species within the same genus.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Spanish rusty foxglove

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

61 cm to 91 cm

Spread

23 cm to 45 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm to 8 cm

Flower Color

Yellow Orange Brown

Images of Spanish rusty foxglove

Quickly Identify Spanish rusty foxglove

Bell-shaped flowers in yellow-orange hues with net-like venation

Flowers resemble finger of a glove, reaching 3 feet (90 cm) in height

Large, tubular flowers hanging pendulously, with rusty orange to greenish-yellow hues

Leaves linear, glabrous, and gray-green, resembling willow leaves, 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long

Terminal racemes of flowers atop leafy stalks, blooming prominently from May to June

Scientific Classification of Spanish rusty foxglove

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Mints plantains olives and allies

Family

Plantain

Genus

Foxgloves

Species

Spanish rusty foxglove

Planting and Growing of Spanish rusty foxglove

Care Difficulty

Moderate

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-12 hours

Ideal Temperature

65-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Spanish rusty foxglove?

The watering amount for Digitalis obscura is 500 ml per session. This plant prefers evenly moist soil, but it's important not to let it sit in water. Water should penetrate the entire root zone without pooling at the plant's base.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Spanish rusty foxglove? ›

What should I do if my Spanish rusty foxglove is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Spanish rusty foxglove? ›

How to save an overwatered Spanish rusty foxglove? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Spanish rusty foxglove?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Partial to full sun exposure ensures that Digitalis obscura thrives with robust growth and vibrant blooms. The ideal lighting balances sufficient sun exposure while mitigating risks of sunburn, promoting long-term plant health.

Best Time of Day for Sunlight ›

Seasonal Adjustments ›

Utilizing Reflective Surfaces ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Spanish rusty foxglove?

Ideal Temperature: 65 ~ 75℉

For Digitalis obscura, maintaining the ideal temperature range is crucial to ensure its optimal growth and development. This plant thrives the best under conditions where the temperature is consistent between 65°F and 75°F. This range allows the plant's physiological processes to function effectively, promoting healthy growth and vibrant flowering.

What Soil is Best for Spanish rusty foxglove?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Loam, Calcareous soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Digitalis obscura thrives in well-drained soils that prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Ensuring adequate drainage supports robust root systems and reduces the risk of fungal diseases. This plant benefits from soils with moderate fertility. Excessive nutrients can encourage excessive leaf growth at the expense of flower production. Balanced nutrient levels promote vibrant blooms and healthier plants. Preferring slightly alkaline soils allows Digitalis obscura to absorb essential nutrients efficiently. Such conditions improve soil microorganism activity, further aiding in nutrient uptake and promoting overall plant health.

How to Fertilize Spanish rusty foxglove?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Digitalis obscura, a light hand is required when applying fertilizer. Use a balanced 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer at half strength, around 1 tablespoon per gallon of water, to avoid overwhelming the roots. When using slow-release granules, scatter them sparingly over the soil surface, ensuring that any single application does not exceed the label's recommended amount for similar flowering plants.

How to Prune Spanish rusty foxglove?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin pruning Digitalis obscura by removing any dead or damaged stems and leaves. This not only improves the plant's appearance but also prevents the spread of disease. Once the plant has flowered, cut back flowering stems to promote further blooms and reduce seed spread. Always make your cuts at a slight angle just above a bud or leaf joint to encourage new growth. Pruning can also be used to shape your Digitalis obscura. Identify any long, leggy stems and trim them back to maintain a compact and bushy form. This shaping technique will prevent the plant from becoming too top-heavy and falling over. Aim for a balanced form with equal growth on all sides. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Spanish rusty foxglove plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring

Collect seeds from dried seed pods of mature Digitalis obscura plants. Ensure the pods have turned brown and started to open which indicates that the seeds are mature enough for sowing.

Choose healthy stems for cuttings, approximately 10-15 cm long. Remove any leaves from the lower part to prevent rot and dip the base in rooting hormone to encourage root development.

For cuttings, place the prepared stem in a well-draining, moist substrate. For seeds, scatter them on the soil surface and gently press them in without covering, as light is needed for germination.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Spanish rusty foxglove plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Repot Digitalis obscura when you notice roots circling the pot's bottom, or if the plant looks top-heavy or shows poor growth. Optimal timing is during spring or autumn, when the plant is not actively blooming, to minimize stress. Keep an eye out for these signs as your cue to give this beauty a fresh home!

Select a pot that's 2 inches larger in diameter than the current one, with adequate drainage holes. A slightly larger pot prevents waterlogging, ensuring the plant doesn't sit in damp conditions that could lead to root rot. A well-chosen pot promotes healthier root development and vigorous growth.

Opt for a well-draining potting mix; it strikes a balance between moisture retention and air circulation. This type of soil prevents root rot by allowing excess water to escape while retaining enough moisture to keep Digitalis obscura hydrated. Proper soil mix leads to exuberant foliage and flowering.