SUNSET Foxglove
Digitalis obscura 'Sunset'
SUNSET Foxglove (Digitalis obscura 'Sunset') is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 18–24 in tall and 12–18 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Shrubby foxglove with sunset-colored flowers; not as toxic-touch as common foxglove but still avoid ingestion.
Plant Select®low to medium water18–24 in tall and 12–18 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistantToxic to dogs
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) frangp, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: Cillas, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 3: John Lindley, Wikimedia Commons (PD)
- Photo 4: John Sims (1749-1831), Wikimedia Commons (PD)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–9
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Soil
- loam, sandy, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 18–24 in tall and 12–18 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~13–18 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- late spring, early summer, mid summer
- Bloom color
- orange, yellow, red
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Things to know before you plant
- Toxic to dogsConsidered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
Planting & establishment
Deep water every 1–2 weeks during establishment (first growing season), then water sparingly per Plant Select guidance.
Frequently asked questions
- Is SUNSET Foxglove good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, SUNSET Foxglove is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting SUNSET Foxglove?
- The main things to know: Considered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
- How big does SUNSET Foxglove get?
- It matures to about 18–24 in tall and 12–18 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant SUNSET Foxglove?
- Space SUNSET Foxglove about 13 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 18 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is SUNSET Foxglove hardy on the Front Range?
- SUNSET Foxglove is hardy in USDA 4–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does SUNSET Foxglove need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is SUNSET Foxglove safe for dogs?
- No. SUNSET Foxglove is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is SUNSET Foxglove deer-resistant?
- SUNSET Foxglove is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- How long does SUNSET Foxglove bloom?
- SUNSET Foxglove blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
