Digitalis lutea - Foxglove

Digitalis lutea is a long-lived perennial that produces slender flower stalks with pale yellow to white bilabiate tubular flowers arranged in dense clusters between June and August. Its evergreen leaves are narrow, dark green, and shiny.

Although the Yellow Foxglove is a woodland plant, it also thrives in sunny to partially shaded positions that are not too hot, in humus-rich, moist to dry, well-draining soil.  This plant can also tolerate limestone. Their rigid and vertical appearance is irreplaceable in scenes where they can contrast with and complement more rounded plants.

Like all foxgloves, it is highly toxic if ingested. It contains an alkaloid, digitaline, still used today for the treatment of heart diseases.

Digitalis lutea can help recreating a woodland atmosphere by combining them with grasses, ferns, and Astrantias. In the background of a flower bed, their shallow roots allow them to be placed behind roses or perennials such as Italian Bugloss, Sea Holly, or Asters. Its delicate and light appearance makes it suitable for natural scenes in partial shade.