Candy Mountain Foxglove

Candy Mountain Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea 'Candy Mountain')

Candy Mountain Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea 'Candy Mountain') is a distinctive, first year flowering foxglove celebrated for tall spires of upward facing bells in rich shades of rose and berry, each with a finely speckled throat. The upward tilt showcases the interior pattern for maximum impact, adding crisp vertical drama to cottage borders, mixed beds, and large containers from late spring into midsummer.

Distinctive Features

Sturdy, well branched stems carry dense racemes of outward and upward poised blooms so the freckled interiors are clearly visible; saturated rose tones read from a distance while the series' signature flower presentation enhances pollinator access and display quality.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade; provide afternoon shade in hot climates.
• Soil: Rich, well drained, moisture retentive soil; avoid soggy sites.
• Water: Moderate, even moisture during bud and bloom.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9 (commonly grown as a short lived perennial or biennial).
• Mature Size: About 36 to 48 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide.
• Bloom Time: Late spring to midsummer with side shoot rebloom when deadheaded.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Upward facing spires create vertical architecture and high visibility color.
• Cottage Borders: Pairs beautifully with roses, salvia, nepeta, and catmint.
• Back of Border: Uniform height frames mixed plantings without overwhelming.
• Pollinator Gardens: Nectar rich bells welcome bees and hummingbirds.
• Large Containers: Strong stems and showy spikes provide patio impact.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Keep evenly moist during active growth; water deeply but infrequently once established.
• Deadheading: Remove spent spikes to promote side shoots and extend flowering; allow some seed if naturalizing.
• Fertilizing: Top dress with compost in spring or apply a light, balanced slow release fertilizer.
• Staking: Usually unnecessary; stake only in very windy exposures.
• Safety: All parts are toxic if ingested; site away from pets and children.

Why Choose Candy Mountain Foxglove?

• Upward Facing Blooms: Interiors display clearly for maximum garden effect.
• First Year Flowers: Dependable early color with a long bloom window.
• Strong Garden Presence: Sturdy spikes and saturated tones read from a distance.
• Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees and hummingbirds while typically deer resistant.
• Versatile Design: Harmonizes with both pastels and bold schemes in beds or containers.

Digitalis purpurea 'Candy Mountain' combines the series' signature upward bells with rich color and durable performance, delivering months of vertical drama and pollinator activity in sunny to lightly shaded, well drained gardens.