Digitalis thapsi
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Digitalis thapsi

Spanish Foxglove · Foxglove · Spanish digitalis · Yellow Foxglove

Tier 1 Difficulty: medium Water: low Light: partial_sun
Temperature
5–35 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 5–9
Click count
705
Observations
3,146

Description

Source: leafsnap

Digitalis thapsi, which has been called mullein foxglove in the US, is a flowering plant in the genus Digitalis that is endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, where it occurs in eastern Portugal and central and western Spain. It is of commercial importance as an ornamental plant. Hybrids with D. purpurea have proved successful and are fertile.

Care Guide

💧 Water

The Spanish Peaks Foxglove is native to the Mediterranean region and thrives in well-drained soil with moderate watering. It favors climates that have distinct wet and dry periods. As a herbaceous perennial, it benefits from seasonal rains and can withstand short droughts, making it an excellent choice for controlled indoor cultivation.

☀️ Light Partial sun

Spanish peaks foxglove is native to habitats such as forest understories or rocky areas, where it receives natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can tolerate full sun or full shade, demonstrating its versatile and hardy nature.

Ideal: Partial sun
FAQ
What are the sun requirements for Spanish peaks foxglove?

Spanish peaks foxglove, also known by its botanical name, Digitalis thapsi, thrives in conditions that fulfill its sunlight requirements. It requires 'Full sun' conditions, which means it needs to receive above 6 hours of sunlight daily. Alternatively, it can grow under 'Partial sun' conditions, entailing about 3-6 hours of sunlight each day. It's important to watch how sunlight moves through your garden, choosing spots that offer the perfect balance of light and shade. This ensures that your Spanish peaks foxglove plants are happy and healthy, taking into consideration their sun exposure needs.

🌡️ Temperature 5–35°C

Spanish peaks foxglove can adjust to a broad range of temperatures, but its distribution may still be constrained by different combinations of moisture and heat. It performs best in warm summer climates with sufficient rainfall or watering. Extended periods of cloudy, rainy weather or prolonged high temperatures can increase the chance of the plant dying. In winter, appropriate protection from cold can boost its survival rate.

Ideal temperature: 5–35°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

The best time to fertilize a Spanish peaks foxglove is in early spring, as it comes out of dormancy and begins active growth. Fertilizing supplies essential nutrients needed for healthy development. Although Spanish peaks foxglove has relatively low fertilizer requirements, applying fertilizer annually can improve its survival and encourage better, longer-lasting flowers.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

Spanish Peaks foxglove benefits from regular pruning to boost its growth and blooms. To prevent disease and encourage flowering, remove spent flowers and damaged leaves from early to late spring. This practice also improves airflow and sunlight penetration, both of which are essential for the plant's overall health.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Digitalis
Family
Plantaginaceae
Hardiness Zone
5-9
Mature Height
1.22 m
Mature Spread
49 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Pink
Flower Size
3.05 cm to 4.06 cm
Bloom Time
Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Summer
Harvest Time
Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall
Native Area
Spain, Portugal

Tags (5)

Common Names (4)

en Spanish Foxglove
en Foxglove
en Spanish digitalis
en Yellow Foxglove